UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM10-Q

(Mark One)

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31,SEPTEMBER 30, 2018

OR

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM                  TO                 

Commission File Number:001-33551

 

LOGO

The Blackstone Group L.P.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware 20-8875684

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

345 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10154

(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

(212)583-5000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of RegulationS-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, anon-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer  ☒

  Accelerated filer  ☐

Non-accelerated filer  ☐

  Smaller reporting company  ☐

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

  Emerging growth company  ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule12b-2 of the Exchange Act).     Yes  ☐    No  ☒

The number of the Registrant’s voting common units representing limited partner interests outstanding as of May 2,November 1, 2018 was 661,530,630.662,286,997.

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

      Page 

PART I.

  

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

ITEM 1.

  

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

   5 
  

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017:

  
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of March 31,September 30, 2018 and December  31, 2017

   5 
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended March 31,September  30, 2018 and 2017

   7 
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended March  31,September 30, 2018 and 2017

   8 
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Partners’ Capital for the Three and Nine Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017

   9 
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the ThreeNine Months Ended March 31,September  30, 2018 and 2017

   1113 
  

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

   1416 

ITEM 1A.

  

UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTAL PRESENTATION OF STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

   5965 

ITEM 2.

  

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

   6167 

ITEM 3.

  

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

   124139 

ITEM 4.

  

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

   128142 

PART II.

  

OTHER INFORMATION

  

ITEM 1.

  

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

   129143 

ITEM 1A.

  

RISK FACTORS

   129143 

ITEM 2.

  

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

   129144 

ITEM 3.

  

DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

   130144 

ITEM 4.

  

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

   130144 

ITEM 5.

  

OTHER INFORMATION

   130144 

ITEM 6.

  

EXHIBITS

   130145 

SIGNATURES

   131146 

Forward-Looking Statements

This report may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 which reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, our operations, financial performance and unit repurchases and distribution activities. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “outlook,” “indicator,” “believes,” “expects,” “potential,” “continues,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “predicts,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates” or the negative version of these words or other comparable words. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. We believe these factors include but are not limited to those described under the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and in this report, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this report and in our other periodic filings. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

Website and Social Media Disclosure

We use our website (www.blackstone.com), Facebook page (www.facebook.com/blackstone), Twitter (www.twitter.com/blackstone), LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/blackstonegroup), Instagram (www.instagram.com/blackstone), SoundCloud (www.soundcloud.com/blackstone-300250613), PodBean (www.blackstone.podbean.com), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/1PqaIgd12KgRN8rlijBhE7) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/user/blackstonegroup) accounts as channels of distribution of company information. The information we post through these channels may be deemed material. Accordingly, investors should monitor these channels, in addition to following our press releases, SEC filings and public conference calls and webcasts. In addition, you may automatically receivee-mail alerts and other information about Blackstone when you enroll youre-mail address by visiting the “Contact Us/Email Alerts” section of our website at http://ir.blackstone.com. The contents of our website, any alerts and social media channels are not, however, a part of this report.

 

 

In this report, references to “Blackstone,” the “Partnership,” “we,” “us” or “our” refer to The Blackstone Group L.P. and its consolidated subsidiaries. Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this report to the ownership of Mr. Stephen A. Schwarzman, our founder, and other Blackstone personnel include the ownership of personal planning vehicles and family members of these individuals.

“Blackstone Funds,” “our funds” and “our investment funds” refer to the private equity funds, real estate funds, funds of hedge funds, credit-focused funds, collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”), real estate investment trusts and registered investment companies that are managed by Blackstone. “Our carry funds” refers to the private equity funds, real estate funds and certain of the hedge fund solutions and credit-focused funds (with multi-year drawdown, commitment-based structures that only pay carry on the realization of an investment) that are managed by Blackstone. We refer to our general corporate private equity funds as Blackstone Capital Partners (“BCP”) funds, ourenergy-focused private equity funds as Blackstone Energy Partners (“BEP”) funds, our core private equity fund as Blackstone Core Equity Partners (“BCEP”), our opportunistic investment platform that invests globally across asset classes, industries and geographies as Blackstone Tactical Opportunities (“Tactical Opportunities”), our secondary private equity fund of funds business as Strategic Partners Fund Solutions (“Strategic Partners”), our infrastructure-focused funds as Blackstone Infrastructure Partners (“BIP”), ourmulti-asset investment program for eligible high net worth investors offering exposure to certain of our key illiquid investment strategies through a single commitment as Blackstone Total Alternatives Solution (“BTAS”) and our capital markets services business as Blackstone Capital Markets (“BXCM”). We refer to our real estate opportunistic funds as Blackstone Real Estate

Partners (“BREP”) funds and our real estate debt investment funds as

Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies (“BREDS”) funds. We refer to our core+ real estate funds, which target substantially stabilized assets in prime markets, as Blackstone Property Partners (“BPP”) funds. We refer to our real estate investment trusts as “REITs”, to Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc., ourNYSE-listed REIT, as “BXMT”, and to Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust, Inc., ournon-exchange traded REIT, as “BREIT”. “Our hedge funds” refers to our funds of hedge funds, certain of our real estate debt investment funds, including a registered investment company, and certain other credit-focused funds which are managed by Blackstone. “BIS” refers to Blackstone Insurance Solutions, our business that develops, distributeswhich partners with insurers to deliver bespoke, capital-efficient investments tailored to each insurer’s needs and manages tailored solutions for insurance companies worldwide.risk profile.

“Assets Under Management” refers to the assets we manage. Our Assets Under Management equals the sum of:

 

 (a)

the fair value of the investments held by our carry funds and ourside-by-side andco-investment entities managed by us, plus (1) the capital that we are entitled to call from investors in those funds and entities pursuant to the terms of their respective capital commitments, including capital commitments to funds that have yet to commence their investment periods, or (2) for certain credit-oriented funds the amounts available to be borrowed under asset based credit facilities,

 

 (b)

the net asset value of (1) our hedge funds, real estate debt carry funds, open ended core+ real estate fund, certainco-investments managed by us, and our Hedge Fund Solutions carry and drawdown funds (plus, in each case, the capital that we are entitled to call from investors in those funds, including commitments yet to commence their investment periods), and (2) our funds of hedge funds, our Hedge Fund Solutions registered investment companies, and ournon-exchange traded REIT,

 

 (c)

the invested capital, fair value or net asset value of assets we manage pursuant to separately managed accounts,

 

 (d)

the amount of debt and equity outstanding for our CLOs during the reinvestment period,

 

 (e)

the aggregate par amount of collateral assets, including principal cash, for our CLOs after the reinvestment period,

 

 (f)

the gross or net amount of assets (including leverage where applicable) for our credit-focused registered investment companies, and

 

 (g)

the fair value of common stock, preferred stock, convertible debt, or similar instruments issued by BXMT.

Our carry funds are commitment-based drawdown structured funds that do not permit investors to redeem their interests at their election. Our funds of hedge funds, hedge funds, funds structured like hedge funds and other open ended funds in our Hedge Fund Solutions, Credit and Real Estate segments generally have structures that afford an investor the right to withdraw or redeem their interests on a periodic basis (for example, annually or quarterly), typically with 30 to 95 days’ notice, depending on the fund and the liquidity profile of the underlying assets. Investment advisory agreements related to certain separately managed accounts in our Hedge Fund Solutions and Credit segments, excluding our BIS separately managed accounts, may generally be terminated by an investor on 30 to 90 days’ notice.

“Fee-Earning Assets Under Management” refers to the assets we manage on which we derive management fees and/or performance revenues. OurFee-Earning Assets Under Management equals the sum of:

 

 (a)

for our Private Equity segment funds and Real Estate segment carry funds including certain real estate debt investment funds and certain of our Hedge Fund Solutions funds, the amount of capital commitments, remaining invested capital, fair value, net asset value or par value of assets held, depending on the fee terms of the fund,

 

 (b)

for our credit-focused carry funds, the amount of remaining invested capital (which may include leverage) or net asset value, depending on the fee terms of the fund,

 (c)

the remaining invested capital or fair value of assets held inco-investment vehicles managed by us on which we receive fees,

 

 (d)

the net asset value of our funds of hedge funds, hedge funds, open ended core+ real estate fund, certainco-investments managed by us, certain registered investment companies, ournon-exchange traded REIT, and certain of our Hedge Fund Solutions drawdown funds,

 

 (e)

the invested capital, fair value of assets or the net asset value we manage pursuant to separately managed accounts,

 

 (f)

the net proceeds received from equity offerings and accumulated core earnings of BXMT, subject to certain adjustments,

 

 (g)

the aggregate par amount of collateral assets, including principal cash, of our CLOs, and

 

 (h)

the gross amount of assets (including leverage) or the net assets (plus leverage where applicable) for certain of our credit-focused registered investment companies.

Each of our segments may include certainFee-Earning Assets Under Management on which we earn performance revenues but not management fees.

Our calculations of assets under management andfee-earning assets under management may differ from the calculations of other asset managers, and as a result this measure may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other asset managers. In addition, our calculation of assets under management includes commitments to, and the fair value of, invested capital in our funds from Blackstone and our personnel, regardless of whether such commitments or invested capital are subject to fees. Our definitions of assets under management andfee-earning assets under management are not based on any definition of assets under management andfee-earning assets under management that is set forth in the agreements governing the investment funds that we manage.

For our carry funds, total assets under management includes the fair value of the investments held, whereasfee-earning assets under management includes the amount of capital commitments, the remaining amount of invested capital at cost depending on whether the investment period has or has not expired or the fee terms of the fund. As such,fee-earning assets under management may be greater than total assets under management when the aggregate fair value of the remaining investments is less than the cost of those investments.

“Perpetual Capital” refers to the component of assets under management with an indefinite term, that is not in liquidation, and for which there is no requirement to return capital to investors through redemption requests in the ordinary course of business, except where funded by new capital inflows. Perpetual Capital includesco-investment capital with an investor right to convert into Perpetual Capital.

This report does not constitute an offer of any Blackstone Fund.

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.

ITEM 1.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Unaudited)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Unit Data)

 

   March 31,
2018
  December 31,
2017
 

Assets

   

Cash and Cash Equivalents

  $1,746,948  $1,992,497 

Cash Held by Blackstone Funds and Other

   703,182   1,929,531 

Investments (including assets pledged of $171,182 and $169,746 at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively)

   19,763,563   24,434,049 

Accounts Receivable

   738,912   875,018 

Due from Affiliates

   1,852,396   2,028,137 

Intangible Assets, Net

   395,336   409,828 

Goodwill

   1,778,192   1,778,192 

Other Assets

   236,406   242,697 

Deferred Tax Assets

   718,440   725,970 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Assets

  $27,933,375  $34,415,919 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Liabilities and Partners’ Capital

   

Loans Payable

  $9,307,266  $14,815,436 

Due to Affiliates

   930,350   937,158 

Accrued Compensation and Benefits

   2,608,743   2,623,492 

Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased

   167,457   154,380 

Repurchase Agreements

   142,519   118,840 

Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities

   1,252,231   2,043,522 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

   14,408,566   20,692,828 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies

   

RedeemableNon-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

   209,010   210,944 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Partners’ Capital

   

The Blackstone Group L.P. Partners’ Capital

   

Partners’ Capital (common units: 666,812,752 issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2018; 659,526,093 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017)

   6,541,409   6,668,511 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

   (27,203  (34,018
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total The Blackstone Group L.P. Partners’ Capital

   6,514,206   6,634,493 

Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

   3,333,954   3,253,148 

Non-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings

   3,467,639   3,624,506 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Partners’ Capital

   13,315,799   13,512,147 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Partners’ Capital

  $27,933,375  $34,415,919 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

5

   September 30,
2018
  December 31,
2017
 

Assets

   

Cash and Cash Equivalents

  $1,937,963  $1,992,497 

Cash Held by Blackstone Funds and Other

   408,561   1,929,531 

Investments (including assets pledged of $231,620 and $169,746 at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively)

   22,094,920   24,434,049 

Accounts Receivable

   875,647   875,018 

Due from Affiliates

   2,017,637   2,028,137 

Intangible Assets, Net

   366,368   409,828 

Goodwill

   1,778,192   1,778,192 

Other Assets

   269,470   242,697 

Deferred Tax Assets

   711,599   725,970 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Assets

  $30,460,357  $34,415,919 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Liabilities and Partners’ Capital

   

Loans Payable

  $10,161,886  $14,815,436 

Due to Affiliates

   981,980   937,158 

Accrued Compensation and Benefits

   3,414,215   2,623,492 

Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased

   166,309   154,380 

Repurchase Agreements

   199,488   118,840 

Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities

   829,496   2,043,522 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

   15,753,374   20,692,828 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies

   

RedeemableNon-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

   153,504   210,944 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Partners’ Capital

   

The Blackstone Group L.P. Partners’ Capital

   

Partners’ Capital (common units: 669,411,215 issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2018; 659,526,093 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017)

   7,024,079   6,668,511 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

   (36,562  (34,018
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total The Blackstone Group L.P. Partners’ Capital

   6,987,517   6,634,493 

Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

   3,673,135   3,253,148 

Non-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings

   3,892,827   3,624,506 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Partners’ Capital

   14,553,479   13,512,147 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Partners’ Capital

  $30,460,357  $34,415,919 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

continued…

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Unaudited)

(Dollars in Thousands)

The following presents the portion of the consolidated balances presented above attributable to consolidated Blackstone Funds which are variable interest entities. The following assets may only be used to settle obligations of these consolidated Blackstone Funds and these liabilities are only the obligations of these consolidated Blackstone Funds and they do not have recourse to the general credit of Blackstone.

 

  March 31,
2018
   December 31,
2017
   September 30,
2018
   December 31,
2017
 

Assets

        

Cash Held by Blackstone Funds

  $700,567   $1,580,296   $408,278   $1,580,296 

Investments

   7,556,384    12,948,653    8,493,379    12,948,653 

Accounts Receivable

   296,348    470,156    273,966    470,156 

Due from Affiliates

   6,759    46,112    8,780    46,112 

Other Assets

   4,845    5,189    5,549    5,189 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total Assets

  $8,564,903   $15,050,406   $9,189,952   $15,050,406 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Liabilities

        

Loans Payable

  $5,765,189   $11,300,621   $6,679,598   $11,300,621 

Due to Affiliates

   121,294    86,393    122,836    86,393 

Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased

   98,378    89,907    118,205    89,907 

Repurchase Agreements

   142,519    118,840    199,488    118,840 

Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities

   696,403    1,562,534    265,397    1,562,534 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total Liabilities

  $6,823,783   $13,158,295   $7,385,524   $13,158,295 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data)

 

  Three Months Ended
March 31,
  Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
  2018 2017  2018 2017 2018 2017 

Revenues

       

Management and Advisory Fees, Net

  $728,849  $645,484  $780,009  $685,922  $2,230,242  $2,022,263 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Incentive Fees

   12,566   46,511   9,799   35,513   41,743   122,327 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Investment Income (Loss)

   

Investment Income

    

Performance Allocations

       

Realized

   269,640   1,111,905   592,103   434,982   1,365,119   2,149,549 

Unrealized

   628,089   (124,621  299,238   406,649   1,367,678   377,560 

Principal Investments

       

Realized

   42,145   251,344   134,619   74,805   305,961   451,207 

Unrealized

   111,774   (40,188  52,840   96,085   268,082   63,172 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Investment Income

   1,051,648   1,198,440   1,078,800   1,012,521   3,306,840   3,041,488 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Interest and Dividend Revenue

   35,385   28,495   48,604   36,974   124,062   99,172 

Other

   (59,317  (4,212  9,368   (35,572  625,394   (99,448
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Revenues

   1,769,131   1,914,718   1,926,580   1,735,358   6,328,281   5,185,802 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Expenses

       

Compensation and Benefits

       

Compensation

   389,403   351,589   419,285   359,209   1,236,167   1,078,001 

Incentive Fee Compensation

   6,662   22,465   7,251   18,332   23,656   61,829 

Performance Allocations Compensation

       

Realized

   112,062   366,478   200,442   162,505   498,902   724,721 

Unrealized

   254,435   7,533   178,184   175,534   622,610   269,977 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Compensation and Benefits

   762,562   748,065   805,162   715,580   2,381,335   2,134,528 

General, Administrative and Other

   126,713   109,386   168,813   121,036   441,354   349,974 

Interest Expense

   38,671   40,246   41,355   41,545   119,346   122,880 

Fund Expenses

   54,985   24,076   2,302   26,350   74,909   100,095 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Expenses

   982,931   921,773   1,017,632   904,511   3,016,944   2,707,477 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Other Income

       

Net Gains from Fund Investment Activities

   110,599   66,132   66,838   63,448   250,956   239,634 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Income Before Provision for Taxes

   896,799   1,059,077   975,786   894,295   3,562,293   2,717,959 

Provision for Taxes

   54,495   57,437   26,798   59,512   220,024   146,557 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net Income

   842,304   1,001,640   948,988   834,783   3,342,269   2,571,402 

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to RedeemableNon-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

   (1,275  2,000 

Net Income Attributable to RedeemableNon-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

  2,569   3,215   2,199   6,206 

Net Income Attributable toNon-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

   155,499   138,685   143,101   113,446   427,678   365,075 

Net Income Attributable toNon-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings

   320,208   409,046   360,576   340,202   1,359,736   1,032,885 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net Income Attributable to The Blackstone Group L.P.

  $367,872  $451,909  $442,742  $377,920  $1,552,656  $1,167,236 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net Income Per Common Unit

       

Common Units, Basic

  $0.55  $0.68  $0.65  $0.57  $2.28  $1.76 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Common Units, Diluted

  $0.53  $0.68  $0.64  $0.55  $2.27  $1.73 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Weighted-Average Common Units Outstanding

       

Common Units, Basic

   674,479,140   660,939,708   682,435,177   667,384,727   679,598,629   664,331,632 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Common Units, Diluted

   1,210,573,854   1,199,506,983   1,205,877,983   1,200,502,292   1,209,113,244   1,200,092,676 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Distributions Declared Per Common Unit

  $0.85  $0.47 
  

 

  

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

  Three Months Ended
March 31,
   Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
  2018 2017   2018 2017   2018 2017 

Net Income

  $842,304  $1,001,640   $948,988  $834,783   $3,342,269  $2,571,402 

Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax — Currency Translation Adjustment

   4,426   11,504 

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax — Currency Translation Adjustment

   (7,412  26,761    (33,660  73,354 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Comprehensive Income

   846,730   1,013,144    941,576   861,544    3,308,609   2,644,756 

Less:

         

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to RedeemableNon-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

   (1,275  2,000 

Comprehensive Income Attributable to RedeemableNon-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

   2,569   3,215    2,199   6,206 

Comprehensive Income Attributable toNon-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

   153,110   142,503    143,101   127,149    425,288   409,963 

Comprehensive Income Attributable toNon-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings

   320,208   409,046    331,850   340,202    1,331,010   1,032,885 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Comprehensive Income Attributable to The Blackstone Group L.P.

  $374,687  $459,595   $464,056  $390,978   $1,550,112  $1,195,702 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Partners’ Capital (Unaudited)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Unit Data)

 

   The Blackstone Group L.P.            The Blackstone Group L.P.         
 Common
Units
 Partners’
Capital
 Accumulated
Other
Compre-
hensive
Income
(Loss)
 Total Non-
Controlling
Interests in
Consolidated
Entities
 Non-
Controlling
Interests in
Blackstone
Holdings
 Total
Partners’
Capital
 Redeemable
Non-
Controlling
Interests in
Consolidated
Entities
  Common
Units
 Partners’
Capital
 Accumulated
Other
Compre-
hensive
Income
(Loss)
 Total Non-
Controlling
Interests in
Consolidated
Entities
 Non-
Controlling
Interests in
Blackstone
Holdings
 Total
Partners’
Capital
 Redeemable
Non-
Controlling
Interests in
Consolidated
Entities
 

Balance at December 31, 2017

  659,526,093  $6,668,511  $(34,018 $6,634,493  $3,253,148  $3,624,506  $13,512,147  $210,944 

Transfer Out Due to Deconsolidation of Fund Entities

  —     —     —     —     (197,091  —     (197,091  —   

Net Income (Loss)

  —     367,872   —     367,872   155,499   320,208   843,579   (1,275

Balance at June 30, 2018

  673,544,082  $7,105,225  $(57,876 $7,047,349  $3,492,621  $3,936,827  $14,476,797  $158,799 

Net Income

  —     442,742   —     442,742   143,101   360,576   946,419   2,569 

Currency Translation Adjustment

  —     —     6,815   6,815   (2,389  —     4,426   —     —     —     21,314   21,314   —     (28,726  (7,412  —   

Capital Contributions

  —     —     —     —     223,509   —     223,509   1,100   —     —     —     —     193,213   —     193,213   1,880 

Capital Distributions

  —     (570,570  —     (570,570  (121,711  (492,159  (1,184,440  (1,759  —     (395,718  —     (395,718  (154,468  (377,751  (927,937  (9,744

Transfer ofNon-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

  —     —     —     —     22,989   —     22,989   —     —     —     —     —     (1,332  —     (1,332  —   

Deferred Tax Effects Resulting from Acquisition of Ownership Interests fromNon-Controlling Interest Holders

  —     3,520   —     3,520   —     —     3,520   —     —     1,221   —     1,221   —     —     1,221   —   

Equity-Based Compensation

  —     41,439   —     41,439   —     33,102   74,541   —     —     54,245   —     54,245   —     42,775   97,020   —   

Net Delivery of Vested Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units and Blackstone Common Units

  3,077,431   (11,870  —     (11,870  —     (481  (12,351  —     1,003,987   (3,389  —     (3,389  —     (2,740  (6,129  —   

Repurchase of Common Units and Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units

  (6,000,000  (218,381  —     (218,381  —     —     (218,381  —   

Change in The Blackstone Group L.P.’s Ownership Interest

  —     (6,124  —     (6,124  —     6,124   —     —     —     31,601   —     31,601   —     (31,601  —     —   

Conversion of Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units to Blackstone Common Units

  3,458,489   23,661   —     23,661   —     (23,661  —     —     863,146   6,533   —     6,533   —     (6,533  —     —   

Issuance of Common Units

  750,739   24,970   —     24,970   —     —     24,970   —   
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2018

  666,812,752  $6,541,409  $(27,203 $6,514,206  $3,333,954  $3,467,639  $13,315,799  $209,010 

Balance at September 30, 2018

  669,411,215  $7,024,079  $(36,562 $6,987,517  $3,673,135  $3,892,827  $14,553,479  $153,504 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

9

continued…

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Partners’ Capital (Unaudited)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Unit Data)

 

   The Blackstone Group L.P.            The Blackstone Group L.P.         
 Common
Units
 Partners’
Capital
 Accumulated
Other
Compre-
hensive
Income
(Loss)
 Total Non-
Controlling
Interests in
Consolidated
Entities
 Non-
Controlling
Interests in
Blackstone
Holdings
 Total
Partners’
Capital
 Redeemable
Non-
Controlling
Interests in
Consolidated
Entities
  Common
Units
 Partners’
Capital
 Accumulated
Other
Compre-
hensive
Income
(Loss)
 Total Non-
Controlling
Interests in
Consolidated
Entities
 Non-
Controlling
Interests in
Blackstone
Holdings
 Total
Partners’
Capital
 Redeemable
Non-
Controlling
Interests in
Consolidated
Entities
 

Balance at December 31, 2016

  643,459,542  $6,521,531  $(62,887 $6,458,644  $2,428,964  $3,434,483  $12,322,091  $185,390 

Balance at June 30, 2017

  653,801,394  $6,540,478  $(47,479 $6,492,999  $3,123,171  $3,414,840  $13,031,010  $190,700 

Net Income

  —     451,909   —     451,909   138,685   409,046   999,640   2,000   —     377,920   —     377,920   113,446   340,202   831,568   3,215 

Currency Translation Adjustment

  —     —     7,686   7,686   3,818   —     11,504   —     —     —     13,058   13,058   13,703   —     26,761   —   

Capital Contributions

  —     —     —     —     238,203   —     238,203   11,484   —     —     —     —     131,693   —     131,693   8,940 

Capital Distributions

  —     (308,925  —     (308,925  (156,819  (284,636  (750,380  (10,216  —     (358,828  —     (358,828  (203,927  (314,155  (876,910  (1,478

Transfer ofNon-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

  —     —     —     —     (2,062  —     (2,062  —     —     —     —     —     (3,406  —     (3,406  —   

Deferred Tax Effects Resulting from Acquisition of Ownership Interests fromNon-Controlling Interest Holders

  —     2,297   —     2,297   —     —     2,297   —     —     706   —     706   —     —     706   —   

Equity-Based Compensation

  —     43,703   —     43,703   —     36,355   80,058   —     —     47,328   —     47,328   —     39,548   86,876   —   

Net Delivery of Vested Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units and Blackstone Common Units

  3,780,081   (11,940  —     (11,940  —     (790  (12,730  —     3,209,675   (14,598  —     (14,598  —     (915  (15,513  —   

Change in The Blackstone Group L.P.’s Ownership Interest

  —     (10,789  —     (10,789  —     10,789   —     —     —     (1,029  —     (1,029  —     1,029   —     —   

Conversion of Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units to Blackstone Common Units

  2,112,784   13,522   —     13,522   —     (13,522  —     —     626,464   4,053   —     4,053   —     (4,053  —     —   
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2017

  649,352,407  $6,701,308  $(55,201 $6,646,107  $2,650,789  $3,591,725  $12,888,621  $188,658 

Balance at September 30, 2017

  657,637,533  $6,596,030  $(34,421 $6,561,609  $3,174,680  $3,476,496  $13,212,785  $201,377 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

continued…

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Partners’ Capital (Unaudited)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Unit Data)

     The Blackstone Group L.P.             
  Common
Units
  Partners’
Capital
  Accumulated
Other
Compre-
hensive
Income
(Loss)
  Total  Non-
Controlling
Interests in
Consolidated
Entities
  Non-
Controlling
Interests in
Blackstone
Holdings
  Total
Partners’
Capital
  Redeemable
Non-
Controlling
Interests in
Consolidated
Entities
 

Balance at December 31, 2017

  659,526,093  $6,668,511  $(34,018 $6,634,493  $3,253,148  $3,624,506  $13,512,147  $210,944 

Transfer Out Due to Deconsolidation of Fund Entities

  —     —     —     —     (197,091  —     (197,091  —   

Net Income

  —     1,552,656   —     1,552,656   427,678   1,359,736   3,340,070   2,199 

Currency Translation Adjustment

  —     —     (2,544  (2,544  (2,390  (28,726  (33,660  —   

Capital Contributions

  —     —     —     —     617,345   —     617,345   2,980 

Capital Distributions

  —     (1,202,488  —     (1,202,488  (446,431  (1,060,315  (2,709,234  (62,619

Transfer ofNon-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

  —     —     —     —     20,876   —     20,876   —   

Deferred Tax Effects Resulting from Acquisition of Ownership Interests fromNon-Controlling Interest Holders

  —     12,143   —     12,143   —     —     12,143   —   

Equity-Based Compensation

  —     154,764   —     154,764   —     122,675   277,439   —   

Net Delivery of Vested Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units and Blackstone Common Units

  4,036,359   (17,885  —     (17,885  —     (3,575  (21,460  —   

Repurchase of Common Units and Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units

  (8,200,000  (290,066  —     (290,066  —     —     (290,066  —   

Change in The Blackstone Group L.P.’s Ownership Interest

  —     32,436   —     32,436   —     (32,436  —     —   

Conversion of Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units to Blackstone Common Units

  13,298,024   89,038   —     89,038   —     (89,038  —     —   

Issuance of Common Units

  750,739   24,970   —     24,970   —     —     24,970   —   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2018

  669,411,215  $7,024,079  $(36,562 $6,987,517  $3,673,135  $3,892,827  $14,553,479  $153,504 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

continued…

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Partners’ Capital (Unaudited)

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Unit Data)

     The Blackstone Group L.P.             
  Common
Units
  Partners’
Capital
  Accumulated
Other
Compre-
hensive
Income
(Loss)
  Total  Non-
Controlling
Interests in
Consolidated
Entities
  Non-
Controlling
Interests in
Blackstone
Holdings
  Total
Partners’
Capital
  Redeemable
Non-
Controlling
Interests in
Consolidated
Entities
 

Balance at December 31, 2016

  643,459,542  $6,521,531  $(62,887 $6,458,644  $2,428,964  $3,434,483  $12,322,091  $185,390 

Net Income

  —     1,167,236   —     1,167,236   365,075   1,032,885   2,565,196   6,206 

Currency Translation Adjustment

  —     —     28,466   28,466   44,888   —     73,354   —   

Consolidation of a Fund Entity

  —     —     —     —     387,006   —     387,006   —   

Capital Contributions

  —     —     —     —     507,001   —     507,001   30,294 

Capital Distributions

  —     (1,241,717  —     (1,241,717  (552,440  (1,068,553  (2,862,710  (20,513

Transfer ofNon-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

  —     —     —     —     (5,814  —     (5,814  —   

Deferred Tax Effects Resulting from Acquisition of Ownership Interests fromNon-Controlling Interest Holders

  —     7,992   —     7,992   —     —     7,992   —   

Equity-Based Compensation

  —     135,292   —     135,292   —     112,109   247,401   —   

Net Delivery of Vested Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units and Blackstone Common Units

  6,985,219   (27,027  —     (27,027  —     (1,705  (28,732  —   

Change in The Blackstone Group L.P.’s Ownership Interest

  —     (14,850  —     (14,850  —     14,850   —     —   

Conversion of Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units to Blackstone Common Units

  7,192,772   47,573   —     47,573   —     (47,573  —     —   
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2017

  657,637,533  $6,596,030  $(34,421 $6,561,609  $3,174,680  $3,476,496  $13,212,785  $201,377 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

  Three Months Ended
March 31,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
  2018 2017   2018 2017 

Operating Activities

      

Net Income

  $842,304  $1,001,640   $3,342,269  $2,571,402 

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities

   

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Used in Operating Activities

   

Blackstone Funds Related

      

Net Realized Gains on Investments

   (306,440  (1,464,126   (1,740,100  (2,833,208

Changes in Unrealized Gains on Investments

   (209,015  63,480    (343,488  (71,122

Non-Cash Performance Allocations

   (628,089  129,872    (1,367,678  (377,560

Non-Cash Performance Allocations and Incentive Fee Compensation

   373,159   396,476    1,137,152   1,056,527 

Equity-Based Compensation Expense

   92,223   91,269    282,733   262,773 

Amortization of Intangibles

   14,492   10,964    43,460   32,891 

OtherNon-Cash Amounts Included in Net Income

   86,332   53,161    110,103   210,644 

Cash Flows Due to Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities

      

Cash Acquired with Consolidation of Fund Entity

   31,422   —      31,422   13,822 

Cash Relinquished with Deconsolidation of Fund Entities

   (899,959  —      (899,959  (33,566

Accounts Receivable

   132,711   352,788    (118,225  141,312 

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

   —     73,860    —     118,495 

Due from Affiliates

   (186,713  (146,750   (343,696  (386,037

Other Assets

   (5,918  2,335    (53,689  237 

Accrued Compensation and Benefits

   (403,634  (523,779   (345,264  (594,610

Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased

   16,003   (37,632   15,893   (112,921

Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities

   (391,003  (657,002   (293,314  (735,996

Repurchase Agreements

   23,678   19,415    80,647   (597

Due to Affiliates

   11,469   (65,935   44,987   (15,433

Investments Purchased

   (5,007,608  (2,330,873   (11,609,707  (12,853,487

Cash Proceeds from Sale of Investments

   4,644,753   3,583,318    10,686,644   12,375,565 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities

   (1,769,833  552,481 

Net Cash Used in Operating Activities

   (1,339,810  (1,230,869
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Investing Activities

      

Purchase of Furniture, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements

   (4,686  (10,007   (8,760  (20,405
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

   (4,686  (10,007   (8,760  (20,405
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

 

11

continued…

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

  Three Months Ended
March 31,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
  2018 2017   2018 2017 

Financing Activities

      

Distributions toNon-Controlling Interest Holders in Consolidated Entities

  $(123,422 $(139,059  $(503,060 $(535,072

Contributions fromNon-Controlling Interest Holders in Consolidated Entities

   221,578   246,274    615,561   528,175 

Payments Under Tax Receivable Agreement

   —     (59,667   —     (59,667

Net Settlement of Vested Common Units and Repurchase of Common and Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units

   (12,351  (12,730   (311,526  (28,732

Proceeds from Loans Payable

   2,248,376   996,892    3,218,399   3,846,577 

Repayment and Repurchase of Loans Payable

   (1,004,660  (125,425   (1,007,479  (166,920

Distributions to Unitholders

   (1,062,729  (593,561   (2,262,803  (2,310,270
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities

   266,792   312,724 

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities

   (250,908  1,274,091 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Cash Held by Blackstone Funds and Other, and Restricted Cash

   21,368   15,954    9,513   105,716 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Cash Held by Blackstone Funds and Other, and Restricted Cash

      

Net Increase (Decrease)

   (1,486,359  871,152    (1,589,965  128,533 

Beginning of Period

   3,936,489   2,860,955    3,936,489   2,860,955 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

End of Period

  $2,450,130  $3,732,107   $2,346,524  $2,989,488 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flows Information

      

Payments for Interest

  $41,764  $57,339   $126,963  $133,535 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Payments for Income Taxes

  $20,201  $16,849   $136,686  $77,059 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Supplemental Disclosure ofNon-Cash Investing and Financing Activities

      

Non-Cash Contributions fromNon-Controlling Interest Holders

  $—    $1,738   $—    $1,746 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Non-Cash Distributions toNon-Controlling Interest Holders

  $—    $(27,976  $(5,924 $(37,881
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net Assets Related to the Consolidation of a Fund Entity

  $—    $387,006 
  

 

  

 

 

Transfer of Interests toNon-Controlling Interest Holders

  $22,989  $(2,062  $20,876  $(5,814
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Change in The Blackstone Group L.P.’s Ownership Interest

  $(6,124 $(10,789  $32,436  $(14,850
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Net Settlement of Vested Common Units

  $98,870  $60,853   $131,857  $122,590 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Conversion of Blackstone Holdings Units to Common Units

  $23,661  $13,522   $89,038  $47,573 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Acquisition of Ownership Interests fromNon-Controlling Interest Holders

      

Deferred Tax Asset

  $(23,818 $(15,129  $(80,942 $(53,151
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Due to Affiliates

  $20,298  $12,832   $68,799  $45,159 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Partners’ Capital

  $3,520  $2,297   $12,143  $7,992 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Issuance of Common Units

  $24,970  $—     $24,970  $—   
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

 

12

continued…

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

(Dollars in Thousands)

The following table provides a reconciliation of Cash and Cash Equivalents, Cash Held by Blackstone Funds and Other, and Restricted Cash reported within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition:

 

  March 31,
2018
   December 31,
2017
   September 30,
2018
   December 31,
2017
 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

  $1,746,948   $1,992,497   $1,937,963   $1,992,497 

Cash Held by Blackstone Funds and Other

   703,182    1,929,531    408,561    1,929,531 

Restricted Cash included in Other Assets

   —      14,461    —      14,461 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $2,450,130   $3,936,489   $2,346,524   $3,936,489 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

1.

ORGANIZATION

The Blackstone Group L.P., together with its subsidiaries (“Blackstone” or the “Partnership”), is a leading global manager of private capital. The alternative asset management business includes the management of private equity funds, real estate funds, real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), funds of hedge funds, hedge funds, credit-focused funds, collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”) vehicles, separately managed accounts and registered investment companies (collectively referred to as the “Blackstone Funds”). Blackstone’s business is organized into four segments: private equity, real estate, hedge fund solutions and credit.

The Partnership was formed as a Delaware limited partnership on March 12, 2007. The Partnership is managed and operated by its general partner, Blackstone Group Management L.L.C., which is in turn wholly owned by Blackstone’s senior managing directors and controlled by one of Blackstone’s founders, Stephen A. Schwarzman (the “Founder”). The activities of the Partnership are conducted through its holding partnerships: Blackstone Holdings I L.P., Blackstone Holdings AI L.P., Blackstone Holdings II L.P., Blackstone Holdings III L.P. and Blackstone Holdings IV L.P. (collectively, “Blackstone Holdings”, “Blackstone Holdings Partnerships” or the “Holding Partnerships”). The Partnership, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, is the sole general partner in each of these Holding Partnerships.

Generally, holders of the limited partner interests in the Holding Partnerships may, four times each year, exchange their limited partnership interests (“Partnership Units”) for Blackstone common units, on aone-to-one basis, exchanging one Partnership Unit from each of the Holding Partnerships for one Blackstone common unit.

 

2.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Partnership have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and the instructions toForm10-Q. The condensed consolidated financial statements, including these notes, are unaudited and exclude some of the disclosures required in audited financial statements. Management believes it has made all necessary adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring items) so that the condensed consolidated financial statements are presented fairly and that estimates made in preparing its condensed consolidated financial statements are reasonable and prudent. The operating results presented for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the entire year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Partnership’s Annual Report onForm10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Partnership, its wholly owned or majority-owned subsidiaries, the consolidated entities which are considered to be variable interest entities and for which the Partnership is considered the primary beneficiary, and certain partnerships or similar entities which are not considered variable interest entities but in which the general partner is presumed to have control.

All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Restructurings within consolidated CLOs are treated as investment purchases or sales, as applicable, in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

Consolidation

The Partnership consolidates all entities that it controls through a majority voting interest or otherwise, including those Blackstone Funds in which the general partner has a controlling financial interest. The Partnership has a controlling financial interest in Blackstone Holdings because the limited partners do not have the right to dissolve the partnerships or have substantive kick out rights or participating rights that would overcome the control held by the Partnership. Accordingly, the Partnership consolidates Blackstone Holdings and recordsnon-controlling interests to reflect the economic interests of the limited partners of Blackstone Holdings.

In addition, the Partnership consolidates all variable interest entities (“VIE”) in which it is the primary beneficiary. An enterprise is determined to be the primary beneficiary if it holds a controlling financial interest. A controlling financial interest is defined as (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The consolidation guidance requires an analysis to determine (a) whether an entity in which the Partnership holds a variable interest is a VIE and (b) whether the Partnership’s involvement, through holding interests directly or indirectly in the entity or contractually through other variable interests (for example, management and performance related fees), would give it a controlling financial interest. Performance of that analysis requires the exercise of judgment.

The Partnership determines whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE at the time it becomes involved with a variable interest entity and continuously reconsiders that conclusion. In determining whether the Partnership is the primary beneficiary, Blackstone evaluates its control rights as well as economic interests in the entity held either directly or indirectly by the Partnership. The consolidation analysis can generally be performed qualitatively; however, if it is not readily apparent that the Partnership is not the primary beneficiary, a quantitative analysis may also be performed. Investments and redemptions (either by the Partnership, affiliates of the Partnership or third parties) or amendments to the governing documents of the respective Blackstone Funds could affect an entity’s status as a VIE or the determination of the primary beneficiary. At each reporting date, the Partnership assesses whether it is the primary beneficiary and will consolidate or deconsolidate accordingly.

Assets of consolidated VIEs that can only be used to settle obligations of the consolidated VIE and liabilities of a consolidated VIE for which creditors (or beneficial interest holders) do not have recourse to the general credit of Blackstone are presented in a separate section in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

Blackstone’s other disclosures regarding VIEs are discussed in Note 9. “Variable Interest Entities”.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues primarily consist of management and advisory fees, incentive fees, investment income, interest and dividend revenue and other.

Management and advisory fees and incentive fees are accounted for as contracts with customers. Under the guidance for contracts with customers, an entity is required to (a) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (b) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (c) determine the transaction price, (d) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (e) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. In determining the transaction price, an entity may include variable consideration only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized would not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. See Note 18,18. “Segment Reporting” for a disaggregated presentation of revenues from contracts with customers.

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

Investment Income represents the unrealized and realized gains and losses on the Partnership’s Performance Allocations and Principal Investments. Interest and Dividend Revenue comprises primarily interest and dividend income earned on principal investments held by the Partnership. Other Revenue consists of miscellaneous income and foreign exchange gains and losses arising on transactions denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars.

Management and Advisory Fees, Net — Management and Advisory Fees, Net are comprised of management fees, including base management fees, transaction and other fees and advisory fees net of management fee reductions and offsets.

The Partnership earns base management fees from limited partners of funds in each of its managed funds, at a fixed percentage of assets under management, net asset value, total assets, committed capital or invested capital. These customer contracts require the Partnership to provide investment management services, which represents a performance obligation that the Partnership satisfies over time. Management fees are a form of variable consideration because the fees the Partnership is entitled to vary based on fluctuations in the basis for the management fee. The amount recorded as revenue is generally determined at the end of the period because these management fees are payable on a regular basis (typically quarterly) and are not subject to clawback once paid.

Transaction, advisory and other fees (including monitoring fees) are principally fees charged to the limited partners of funds indirectly through the managed funds and portfolio companies. The investment advisory agreements generally require that the investment adviser reduce the amount of management fees payable by the limited partners to the Partnership (“management fee reductions”) by an amount equal to a portion of the transaction and other fees paid to the Partnership by the portfolio companies. The amount of the reduction varies by fund, the type of fee paid by the portfolio company and the previously incurred expenses of the fund. These fees and associated management fee reductions are a component of the transaction price for the Partnership’s performance obligation to provide investment management services to the limited partners of funds and are recognized as changes to the transaction price in the period in which they are charged and the services are performed.

Management fee offsets are reductions to management fees payable by the limited partners of the Blackstone Funds, which are based on the amount such limited partners reimburse the Blackstone Funds or the Partnership primarily for placement fees. Providing investment management services requires the Partnership to arrange for services on behalf of its customers. In those situations where the Partnership is acting as an agent on behalf of the limited partners of funds, it presents the cost of services as net against management fee revenue. In all other situations, the Partnership is primarily responsible for fulfilling the services and is therefore acting as a principal for those arrangements. As a result, the cost of those services is presented gross as anCompensation or General, Administrative and Other expense, as appropriate, with any reimbursement from the limited partners of the funds recorded as revenue.Management and Advisory Fees, Net.

Accrued but unpaid Management and Advisory Fees, net of management fee reductions and management fee offsets, as of the reporting date are included in Accounts Receivable or Due from Affiliates in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

Incentive Fees— Contractual fees earned based on the performance of Blackstone Funds (“Incentive Fees”) are a form of variable consideration in theirBlackstone’s contracts with customers to provide investment management services. Incentive Fees are earned based on fund performance during the period, subject to the achievement of minimum return levels, or high water marks, in accordance with the respective terms set out in each fund’s governing agreements. Incentive Fees will not be recognized as revenue until (a) it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur, or (b) the uncertainty associated with the

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

variable consideration is subsequently resolved. Incentive Fees are typically recognized as revenue when realized at the end of the measurement period. Once realized, such fees are not subject to clawback or reversal. Accrued but unpaid Incentive Fees charged directly to investors in Blackstone Funds as of the reporting date are recorded within Due from Affiliates in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

Investment Income (Loss) — Investment Income (Loss) represents the unrealized and realized gains and losses on the Partnership’s Performance Allocations and Principal Investments.

In certain fund structures across private equity, real estate, hedge fund solutions and credit-focused funds (“carry funds”), Blackstone, through its subsidiaries, invests alongside its limited partners in a partnership and is entitled to itspro-rata share of the results of the fund (a“pro-rata allocation”). In addition to apro-rata allocation, and assuming certain investment returns are achieved, Blackstone is entitled to a disproportionate allocation of the income otherwise allocable to the limited partners, commonly referred to as carried interest (“Performance Allocations”).

Performance Allocations are made to the general partner based on cumulative fund performance to date, subject to a preferred return to limited partners. At the end of each reporting period, the Partnership calculates the balance of accrued Performance Allocations (“Accrued Performance Allocations”) that would be due to the Partnership for each fund, pursuant to the fund agreements, as if the fair value of the underlying investments were realized as of such date, irrespective of whether such amounts have been realized. As the fair value of underlying investments varies between reporting periods, it is necessary to make adjustments to amounts recorded as Accrued Performance Allocations to reflect either (a) positive performance resulting in an increase in the Accrued Performance Allocation to the general partner or (b) negative performance that would cause the amount due to the Partnership to be less than the amount previously recognized as revenue, resulting in a negative adjustment to the Accrued Performance Allocation to the general partner. In each scenario, it is necessary to calculate the Accrued Performance Allocation on cumulative results compared to the Accrued Performance Allocation recorded to date and make the required positive or negative adjustments. The Partnership ceases to record negative Performance Allocations once previously Accrued Performance Allocations for such fund have been fully reversed. The Partnership is not obligated to pay guaranteed returns or hurdles, and therefore, cannot have negative Performance Allocations over the life of a fund. Accrued Performance Allocations as of the reporting date are reflected in Investments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

Performance Allocations are realized when an underlying investment is profitably disposed of and the fund’s cumulative returns are in excess of the preferred return or, in limited instances, after certain thresholds for return of capital are met. Performance Allocations are subject to clawback to the extent that the Performance Allocation received to date exceeds the amount due to Blackstone based on cumulative results. As such, the accrual for potential repayment of previously received Performance Allocations, which is a component of Due to Affiliates, represents all amounts previously distributed to Blackstone Holdings andnon-controlling interest holders that would need to be repaid to the Blackstone carry funds if the Blackstone carry funds were to be liquidated based on the current fair value of the underlying funds’ investments as of the reporting date. The actual clawback liability, however, generally does not become realized until the end of a fund’s life except for certain funds, including certain Blackstone real estate funds, multi-asset class investment funds and credit-focused funds, which may have an interim clawback liability.

Principal Investments include the unrealized and realized gains and losses on the Partnership’s principal investments, including its investments in Blackstone Funds that are not consolidated and receivepro-rata allocations, its equity method investments, and other principal investments. Income (Loss) on Principal Investments

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

is realized when the Partnership redeems all or a portion of its investment or when the Partnership receives cash income, such as dividends or distributions. Unrealized Income (Loss) on Principal Investments results from changes in the fair value of the underlying investment as well as the reversal of unrealized gain (loss) at the time an investment is realized.

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

Interest and Dividend Revenue— Interest and Dividend Revenue comprises primarily interest and dividend income earned on principal investments held by Blackstone.

Other Revenue — Other Revenue consists of miscellaneous income and foreign exchange gains and losses arising on transactions denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

GAAP establishes a hierarchical disclosure framework which prioritizes and ranks the level of market price observability used in measuring financial instruments at fair value. Market price observability is affected by a number of factors, including the type of financial instrument, the characteristics specific to the financial instrument and the state of the marketplace, including the existence and transparency of transactions between market participants. Financial instruments with readily available quoted prices in active markets generally will have a higher degree of market price observability and a lesser degree of judgment used in measuring fair value.

Financial instruments measured and reported at fair value are classified and disclosed based on the observability of inputs used in the determination of fair values, as follows:

 

Level I — Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical financial instruments as of the reporting date. The types of financial instruments in Level I include listed equities, listed derivatives and mutual funds with quoted prices. The Partnership does not adjust the quoted price for these investments, even in situations where Blackstone holds a large position and a sale could reasonably impact the quoted price.

 

Level II — Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date, and fair value is determined through the use of models or other valuation methodologies. Financial instruments which are generally included in this category include corporate bonds and loans, including corporate bonds and loans held within CLO vehicles, government and agency securities, less liquid and restricted equity securities, and certainover-the-counter derivatives where the fair value is based on observable inputs. Senior and subordinated notes issued by CLO vehicles are classified within Level II of the fair value hierarchy.

 

Level III — Pricing inputs are unobservable for the financial instruments and includes situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the financial instrument. The inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation. Financial instruments that are included in this category generally include general and limited partnership interests in private equity and real estate funds, credit-focused funds, distressed debt andnon-investment grade residual interests in securitizations, certain corporate bonds and loans held within CLO vehicles, and certainover-the-counter derivatives where the fair value is based on unobservable inputs.

In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the determination of which category within the fair value hierarchy is appropriate for any given

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

financial instrument is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Partnership’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the financial instrument.

Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are recognized at the beginning of the reporting period.

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

Level II Valuation Techniques

Financial instruments classified within Level II of the fair value hierarchy comprise debt instruments, including certain corporate loans and bonds held by Blackstone’s consolidated CLO vehicles and debt securities sold, not yet purchased. Certain equity securities and derivative instruments valued using observable inputs are also classified as Level II.

The valuation techniques used to value financial instruments classified within Level II of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

 

Debt Instruments and Equity Securities are valued on the basis of prices from an orderly transaction between market participants provided by reputable dealers or pricing services. In determining the value of a particular investment, pricing services may use certain information with respect to transactions in such investments, quotations from dealers, pricing matrices and market transactions in comparable investments and various relationships between investments. The valuation of certain equity securities is based on an observable price for an identical security adjusted for the effect of a restriction.

 

Freestanding Derivatives are valued using contractual cash flows and observable inputs comprising yield curves, foreign currency rates and credit spreads.

 

Senior and subordinate notes issued by CLO vehicles are classified based on the more observable fair value of CLO assets less (a) the fair value of any beneficial interests held by Blackstone, and (b) the carrying value of any beneficial interests that represent compensation for services.

Level III Valuation Techniques

In the absence of observable market prices, Blackstone values its investments using valuation methodologies applied on a consistent basis. For some investments little market activity may exist; management’s determination of fair value is then based on the best information available in the circumstances, and may incorporate management’s own assumptions and involves a significant degree of judgment, taking into consideration a combination of internal and external factors, including the appropriate risk adjustments fornon-performance and liquidity risks. Investments for which market prices are not observable include private investments in the equity of operating companies, real estate properties, certain funds of hedge funds and credit-focused investments.

Private Equity Investments — The fair values of private equity investments are determined by reference to projected net earnings, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), the discounted cash flow method, public market or private transactions, valuations for comparable companies and other measures which, in many cases, are based on unaudited information at the time received. Valuations may be derived by reference to observable valuation measures for comparable companies or transactions (for example, multiplying a key performance metric of the investee company, such as EBITDA, by a relevant valuation multiple observed in the range of comparable companies or transactions), adjusted by management for differences between the investment and the referenced comparables, and in some instances by reference to option pricing models or other similar methods. Where a discounted cash flow method is used, a terminal value is derived by reference to EBITDA or price/earnings exit multiples.

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

Real Estate Investments —The fair values of real estate investments are determined by considering projected operating cash flows, sales of comparable assets, if any, and replacement costs, among other measures. The methods used to estimate the fair value of real estate investments include the discounted cash flow method and/or capitalization rates (“cap rates”) analysis. Valuations may be derived by reference to observable valuation measures

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

for comparable companies or assets (for example, multiplying a key performance metric of the investee company or asset, such as EBITDA, by a relevant valuation multiple observed in the range of comparable companies or transactions), adjusted by management for differences between the investment and the referenced comparables, and in some instances by reference to option pricing models or other similar methods. Where a discounted cash flow method is used, a terminal value is derived by reference to an exit EBITDA multiple or capitalization rate. Additionally, where applicable, projected distributable cash flow through debt maturity will be considered in support of the investment’s fair value.

Credit-Focused Investments — The fair values of credit-focused investments are generally determined on the basis of prices between market participants provided by reputable dealers or pricing services. For credit-focused investments that are not publicly traded or whose market prices are not readily available, Blackstone may utilize other valuation techniques, including the discounted cash flow method or a market approach. The discounted cash flow method projects the expected cash flows of the debt instrument based on contractual terms, and discounts such cash flows back to the valuation date using a market-based yield. The market-based yield is estimated using yields of publicly traded debt instruments issued by companies operating in similar industries as the subject investment, with similar leverage statistics and time to maturity.

The market approach is generally used to determine the enterprise value of the issuer of a credit investment, and considers valuation multiples of comparable companies or transactions. The resulting enterprise value will dictate whether or not such credit investment has adequate enterprise value coverage. In cases of distressed credit instruments, the market approach may be used to estimate a recovery value in the event of a restructuring.

Level III Valuation Process

Investments classified within Level III of the fair value hierarchy are valued on a quarterly basis, taking into consideration factors including any changes in Blackstone’s weighted-average cost of capital assumptions, discounted cash flow projections and exit multiple assumptions, as well as any changes in economic and other relevant conditions, and valuation models are updated accordingly. The valuation process also includes a review by an independent valuation party, at least annually for all investments, and quarterly for certain investments, to corroborate the values determined by management. The valuations of Blackstone’s investments are reviewed quarterly by a valuation committee chaired by Blackstone’s Vice Chairman and includes senior heads of each of Blackstone’s businesses, as well as representatives of legal and finance. Each quarter, the valuations of Blackstone’s investments are also reviewed by the Audit Committee in a meeting attended by the chairman of the valuation committee. The valuations are further tested by comparison to actual sales prices obtained on disposition of the investments.

Investments, at Fair Value

The Blackstone Funds are accounted for as investment companies under the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Accounting and Auditing Guide,Investment Companies, and reflect their investments, including majority-owned and controlled investments (the “Portfolio Companies”), at fair value. Such consolidated funds’ investments are reflected in Investments on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value reflected as a component of Net Gains from Fund Investment Activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Fair value is the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, at current market conditions (i.e., the exit price).

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

Blackstone’s principal investments are presented at fair value with unrealized appreciation or depreciation and realized gains and losses recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations within Investment Income (Loss).

For certain instruments, the Partnership has elected the fair value option. Such election is irrevocable and is applied on an investment by investment basis at initial recognition. The Partnership has applied the fair value option for certain loans and receivables and certain investments in private debt securities that otherwise would not have been carried at fair value with gains and losses recorded in net income. The methodology for measuring the fair value of such investments is consistent with the methodology applied to private equity, real estate, credit-focused and funds of hedge funds investments. Changes in the fair value of such instruments are recognized in Investment

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

Income (Loss) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Interest income on interest bearing loans and receivables and debt securities on which the fair value option has been elected is based on stated coupon rates adjusted for the accretion of purchase discounts and the amortization of purchase premiums. This interest income is recorded within Interest and Dividend Revenue.

The Partnership has elected the fair value option for the assets of consolidated CLO vehicles. As permitted under GAAP, the Partnership measures the liabilities of consolidated CLO vehicles as (a) the sum of the fair value of the consolidated CLO assets and the carrying value of any nonfinancialnon-financial assets held temporarily, less (b) the sum of the fair value of any beneficial interests retained by the Partnership (other than those that represent compensation for services) and the Partnership’s carrying value of any beneficial interests that represent compensation for services. As a result of this measurement alternative, there is no attribution of amounts toNon-Controlling Interests for consolidated CLO vehicles. Assets of the consolidated CLOs are presented within Investments within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition and Liabilities within Loans Payable for the amounts due to unaffiliated third parties and Due to Affiliates for the amounts held bynon-consolidated affiliates. Changes in the fair value of consolidated CLO assets and liabilities and related interest, dividend and other income are presented within Net Gains from Fund Investment Activities. Expenses of consolidated CLO vehicles are presented in Fund Expenses.

The Partnership has elected the fair value option for certain proprietary investments that would otherwise have been accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The fair value of such investments is based on quoted prices in an active market or using the discounted cash flow method. Changes in fair value are recognized in Investment Income (Loss) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Further disclosure on instruments for which the fair value option has been elected is presented in Note 7. “Fair Value Option”.

The investments of consolidated Blackstone Funds in funds of hedge funds (“Investee Funds”) are valued at net asset value (“NAV”) per share of the Investee Fund. In limited circumstances, the Partnership may determine, based on its own due diligence and investment procedures, that NAV per share does not represent fair value. In such circumstances, the Partnership will estimate the fair value in good faith and in a manner that it reasonably chooses, in accordance with the requirements of GAAP.

Certain investments of Blackstone and of the consolidated Blackstone funds of hedge funds and credit-focused funds measure their investments in underlying funds at fair value using NAV per share without adjustment. The terms of the investee’s investment generally provide for minimum holding periods orlock-ups, the institution of gates on redemptions or the suspension of redemptions or an ability to side pocket investments, at the discretion of the investee’s fund manager, and as a result, investments may not be redeemable at, or within three months of, the

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

reporting date. A side pocket is used by hedge funds and funds of hedge funds to separate investments that may lack a readily ascertainable value, are illiquid or are subject to liquidity restriction. Redemptions are generally not permitted until the investments within a side pocket are liquidated or it is deemed that the conditions existing at the time that required the investment to be included in the side pocket no longer exist. As the timing of either of these events is uncertain, the timing at which the Partnership may redeem an investment held in a side pocket cannot be estimated. Further disclosure on instruments for which fair value is measured using NAV per share is presented in Note 5. “Net Asset Value as Fair Value”.

Security and loan transactions are recorded on a trade date basis.

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

Equity Method Investments

Investments in which the Partnership is deemed to exert significant influence, but not control, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting except in cases where the fair value option has been elected. The Partnership has significant influence over all Blackstone Funds in which it invests but does not consolidate. Therefore, its investments in such Blackstone Funds, which include both a proportionate and disproportionate allocation of the profits and losses (as is the case with carry funds that include a Performance Allocation), are accounted for under the equity method. Under the equity method of accounting, the Partnership’s share of earnings (losses) from equity method investments is included in Investment Income (Loss) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

In cases where the Partnership’s equity method investments provide for a disproportionate allocation of the profits and losses (as is the case with carry funds that include a Performance Allocation), the Partnership’s share of earnings (losses) from equity method investments is determined using a balance sheet approach referred to as the hypothetical liquidation at book value (“HLBV”) method. Under the HLBV method, at the end of each reporting period the Partnership calculates the Accrued Performance Allocations that would be due to the Partnership for each fund pursuant to the fund agreements as if the fair value of the underlying investments were realized as of such date, irrespective of whether such amounts have been realized. As the fair value of underlying investments varies between reporting periods, it is necessary to make adjustments to amounts recorded as Accrued Performance Allocations to reflect either (a) positive performance resulting in an increase in the Accrued Performance Allocation to the general partner, or (b) negative performance that would cause the amount due to the Partnership to be less than the amount previously recognized as revenue, resulting in a negative adjustment to the Accrued Performance Allocation to the general partner. In each scenario, it is necessary to calculate the Accrued Performance Allocation on cumulative results compared to the Accrued Performance Allocation recorded to date and make the required positive or negative adjustments. The Partnership ceases to record negative Performance Allocations once previously Accrued Performance Allocations for such fund have been fully reversed. The Partnership is not obligated to pay guaranteed returns or hurdles, and therefore, cannot have negative Performance Allocations over the life of a fund. The carrying amounts of equity method investments are reflected in Investments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation and Benefits Compensation — Compensation and Benefits consists of (a) employee compensation, comprising salary and bonus, and benefits paid and payable to employees and senior managing directors and (b) equity-based compensation associated with the grants of equity-based awards to employees and senior managing directors. Compensation cost relating to the issuance of equity-based awards to senior managing directors and employees is measured at fair value at the grant date, taking into consideration expected forfeitures, and expensed over the vesting period on a straight-line basis, taking into consideration expected forfeitures, except in the case of (a) equity-based awards that do not require future service, which are expensed immediately, and (b) certain awards to recipients that meet specified criteria making them eligible for retirement treatment (allowing such recipient to keep a percentage of those awards upon departure from Blackstone after becoming eligible for retirement), for which the expense for the portion of the

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

award that would be retained in the event of retirement is either expensed immediately or amortized to the retirement date. Cash settled equity-based awards are classified as liabilities and are remeasured at the end of each reporting period.

Compensation and Benefits — Incentive Fee Compensation — Incentive Fee Compensation consists of compensation paid based on Incentive Fees.

Compensation and Benefits — Performance Allocations Compensation —Performance Allocation Compensation consists of compensation paid based on Performance Allocations (which may be distributed in cash

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

orin-kind). Such compensation expense is subject to both positive and negative adjustments. Unlike Performance Allocations, compensation expense is based on the performance of individual investments held by a fund rather than on a fund by fund basis. These amounts may also include allocations of investment income from Blackstone’s principal investments, to senior managing directors and employees participating in certain profit sharing initiatives.

Repurchase Agreements

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (“repurchase agreements”), comprised primarily of U.S. andnon-U.S. government and agency securities are asset-backed securities and corporate debt and represent collateralized financing transactions. Such transactions are recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at their contractual amounts and include accrued interest. The carrying value of repurchase agreements approximates fair value.

The Partnership manages credit exposure arising from repurchase agreements by, in appropriate circumstances, entering into master netting agreements and collateral arrangements with counterparties that provide the Partnership, in the event of a counterparty default, the right to liquidate collateral and the right to offset a counterparty’s rights and obligations.

The Partnership also pledges its financial instruments to counterparties to collateralize repurchase agreements. Financial instruments pledged that can be repledged, delivered or otherwise used by the counterparty are recorded in Investments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Additional disclosures relating to repurchase agreements are discussed in Note 10. “Repurchase Agreements”.

Blackstone does not offset assets and liabilities relating to repurchase agreements in its Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Additional disclosures relating to offsetting are discussed in Note 11. “Offsetting of Assets and Liabilities”.

Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased

Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased consist of equity and debt securities that the Partnership has borrowed and sold. The Partnership is required to “cover” its short sale in the future by purchasing the security at prevailing market prices and delivering it to the counterparty from which it borrowed the security. The Partnership is exposed to loss in the event that the price at which a security may have to be purchased to cover a short sale exceeds the price at which the borrowed security was sold short.

Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased are recorded at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

Derivative Instruments

The Partnership recognizes all derivatives as assets or liabilities on its Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at fair value. On the date the Partnership enters into a derivative contract, it designates and documents each derivative contract as one of the following: (a) a hedge of a recognized asset or liability (“fair value hedge”), (b) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (“cash flow hedge”), (c) a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation, or (d) a derivative instrument not designated as a hedging instrument (“freestanding derivative”). For a fair value hedge, Blackstone records changes in the fair value of the derivative and, to the extent that it is highly effective, changes in

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

the fair value of the hedged asset or liability attributable to the hedged risk, in current period earnings in General, Administrative and Other in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as hedging instruments caused by factors other than changes in the risk being hedged, which are excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness, are recognized in current period earnings. Gains or losses on a derivative instrument that is designated as, and is effective as, an economic hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation are reported in the cumulative translation adjustment section of other comprehensive income to the extent it is effective as a hedge. The ineffective portion of a net investment hedge is recognized in current period earnings.

The Partnership formally documents at inception its hedge relationships, including identification of the hedging instruments and the hedged items, its risk management objectives, strategy for undertaking the hedge transaction and the Partnership’s evaluation of effectiveness of its hedged transaction. At least monthly, the Partnership also formally assesses whether the derivative it designated in each hedging relationship is expected to be, and has been, highly effective in offsetting changes in estimated fair values or cash flows of the hedged items using either the regression analysis or the dollar offset method. For net investment hedges, the Partnership uses a method based on changes in spot rates to measure effectiveness. If it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective at hedging the designated exposure, hedge accounting is discontinued. The Partnership may also at any time remove a designation of a fair value hedge. The fair values of hedging derivative instruments are reflected within Other Assets in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

For freestanding derivative contracts, the Partnership presents changes in fair value in current period earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments held by consolidated Blackstone Funds are reflected in Net Gains from Fund Investment Activities or, where derivative instruments are held by the Partnership, within Investment Income (Loss) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The fair value of freestanding derivative assets of the consolidated Blackstone Funds are recorded within Investments, the fair value of freestanding derivative assets that are not part of the consolidated Blackstone Funds are recorded within Other Assets and the fair value of freestanding derivative liabilities are recorded within Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

The Partnership has elected to not offset derivative assets and liabilities or financial assets in its Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, including cash, that may be received or paid as part of collateral arrangements, even when an enforceable master netting agreement is in place that provides the Partnership, in the event of counterparty default, the right to liquidate collateral and the right to offset a counterparty’s rights and obligations.

Blackstone’s other disclosures regarding derivative financial instruments are discussed in Note 6. “Derivative Financial Instruments”.

Blackstone’s disclosures regarding offsetting are discussed in Note 11. “Offsetting of Assets and Liabilities”.

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

Affiliates

Blackstone considers its Founder, senior managing directors, employees, the Blackstone Funds and the Portfolio Companies to be affiliates.

Distributions

Distributions are reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements when declared.

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

Recent Accounting Developments

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued amended guidance on revenue from contracts with customers. The new guidance was effective for Blackstone beginning January 1, 2018 and was adopted on a full retrospective basis. The guidance requires that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. An entity is required to (a) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (b) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (c) determine the transaction price, (d) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (e) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. In determining the transaction price, an entity may include variable consideration only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized would not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved.

Blackstone has concluded that its Management and Advisory Fees and Incentive Fees are within the scope of the amended revenue recognition guidance. The adoption of the amended guidance did not have a material impact on the recognition of Management and Advisory Fees. For Incentive Fees, the amended guidance changes the presentation and delays the recognition of revenues compared to the prior accounting treatment. These amounts were previously recognized within Realized and Unrealized Performance Fees — Incentive Fees in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Under the amended guidance, these amounts will be recognized separately within Incentive Fees. Blackstone recorded a net reduction to Partners’ Capital of $2.4 million and $1.9 million as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017, respectively, as a result of adopting the amended guidance. For the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2017, the impact on Total Revenues, Net Income Attributable to The Blackstone Group L.P., Net Income Per Common Unit — Basic, and Net Income Per Common Unit — Diluted was a reduction of $26.0$11.4 million, $9.9$6.7 million, $0.02$0.01 per common unit, and $0.01 per common unit, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the impact on Total Revenues, Net Income Attributable to The Blackstone Group L.P., Net Income Per Common Unit — Basic, and Net Income Per Common Unit — Diluted was a reduction of $51.1 million, $22.0 million, $0.03 per common unit, and $0.03 per common unit, respectively. Also, the reimbursement of certain costs incurred in the process of providing investment management services, primarily travel costs, that were previously presented net in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations are presented gross under the amended guidance. For the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2017, these costs were $3.3$5.3 million and $12.9 million, respectively, and are presented in General, Administrative and Other Expenses with the related reimbursement presented in Management and Advisory Fees, Net in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Blackstone has concluded that investments made alongside its limited partners in a partnership which entitle Blackstone to apro-rata allocation and a disproportionate Performance Allocation represent equity method investments that are not in the scope of the amended revenue recognition guidance. Therefore, effective January 1, 2018, Blackstone amended the recognition and measurement of Performance Allocations. This accounting change will not change the timing or amount of revenue recognized related to Performance Allocation arrangements. These amounts were previously recognized within Realized and Unrealized Performance Fees Carried Interest and Incentive Fees in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Under the equity method of accounting Blackstone recognizes Performance Allocations within Investment Income along with the allocations proportionate to Blackstone’s ownership interests in the Blackstone Funds. Blackstone applied a retrospective application consistent with the requirements for presentation of a change in accounting principle.

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

In January 2016, the FASB issued amended guidance on the classification and measurement of financial instruments. The new guidance was effective for Blackstone beginning on January 1, 2018 and was adopted on a modified retrospective basis. However, changes to the accounting for equity securities without a readily

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

determinable fair value will bewere applied prospectively as permitted under the guidance. This amended guidanceAdoption did not have ana material impact on Blackstone’s condensed consolidated financial statements as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2018.statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued amended guidance on the accounting for leases. The guidance requires the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities for those leases classified as operating leases under previous GAAP. The guidance retains a distinction between finance leases and operating leases. The classification criteria for distinguishing between finance leases and operating leases are substantially similar to the classification criteria for distinguishing between capital leases and operating leases under previous GAAP. The recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee have not changed significantly from previous GAAP.

For operating leases, a lessee is required to do the following: (a) recognize aright-of-use asset and a lease liability, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments, in the Statement of Financial Condition, (b) recognize a single lease cost, calculated so that the cost of the lease is allocated over the lease term on a generally straight-line basis, and (c) classify all cash payments within operating activities in the statement of cash flows.

The guidance is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early application is permitted.In July 2018, the FASB issued targeted improvements to the amended guidance, which included a new transition method allowing entities to initially apply the new leases standard at the adoption date (January 1, 2019 for Blackstone) and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. Prior to that issuance, adoption was required on a modified retrospective basis. Blackstone expects to elect the new transition alternative upon adoption, and also expects to elect a package of practical expedients made available earlier by the FASB which result in no requirement to reassess (a) whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, (b) the lease classification for any expired or existing leases or (c) the recognition requirements for initial direct costs for any existing leases. Blackstone is evaluating the impact of the amended guidance on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition. ItCondition, which is expected to result in recognition of an operating liability equal to the present value of the remaining lease payments on existing leases as of January 1, 2019 and a correspondingright-of-use asset. The amended guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations or the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

In November 2016, the FASB issued amended guidance on classification and presentation of restricted cash on the statement of cash flows. The new guidance was effective for Blackstone beginning on January 1, 2018 and was adopted on a retrospective basis. Under the new guidance, reporting entities are required to explain the changes in the combined total of restricted and unrestricted balances in the statement of cash flows. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents (hereinafter referred to as “restricted cash”) should be combined with unrestricted cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning and end of period balances on the statement of cash flows. Reporting entities are also required to disclose how the statement of cash flows reconciles to the balance sheet in any situation in which the balance sheet includes more than one line item of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash. For the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2017 the new guidance resulted in an increasea decrease in Net Cash Provided byUsed in Operating Activities of $401.4$573.4 million, an increase in Net Cash Used Inin Investing Activities of $8.0$11.4 million, and an increase in Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Cash Held by Blackstone Funds, and Restricted Cash of $11.4$88.1 million. Additionally, the new guidance increased the December 31, 2016 Beginning of Period and March 31,September 30, 2017 End of Period balances by $1.0 billion and $1.4$1.7 billion, respectively, in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2017.

3.INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangible Assets, Net consists of the following:

   March 31,
2018
   December 31,
2017
 

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets / Contractual Rights

  $1,594,876   $1,594,876 

Accumulated Amortization

   (1,199,540   (1,185,048
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Intangible Assets, Net

  $395,336   $409,828 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

In August 2018, the FASB issued amended guidance on the disclosure requirements for fair value measurement. The amended guidance added, eliminated and modified disclosures for investments measured at fair value. The guidance is effective January 1, 2020. However, Blackstone has early adopted the amendments, as is permitted, for the period ended September 30, 2018. The impact of the amended guidance on Blackstone was the removal of the requirements to disclose (a) the amount and reasons for transfers between Level I and Level II investments of the fair value hierarchy, (b) the policy for timing of transfers between levels and (c) the valuation process for Level III fair value measurements. The amended guidance also required modification to Blackstone’s disclosure to clarify that information regarding measurement uncertainty is provided as of the relevant reporting date. The requirements to provide additional disclosures did not impact Blackstone as those disclosures had already been provided in prior periods.

3.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangible Assets, Net consists of the following:

   September 30,
2018
   December 31,
2017
 

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets / Contractual Rights

  $1,594,876   $1,594,876 

Accumulated Amortization

   (1,228,508   (1,185,048
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Intangible Assets, Net

  $366,368   $409,828 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Amortization expense associated with Blackstone’s intangible assets was $14.5 million and $11.0$43.5 million for the three monthsand nine month periods ended March 31,September 30, 2018, respectively, and $11.0 million and $32.9 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017, respectively.

Amortization of Intangible Assets held at March 31,September 30, 2018 is expected to be $57.9 million, $57.9 million, $57.9 million, $57.9 million, and $50.2 million for each of the years ending December 31, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively. Blackstone’s intangible assets as of March 31,September 30, 2018 are expected to amortize over a weighted-average period of 9.08.6 years.

 

4.

INVESTMENTS

Investments consist of the following:

 

  March 31,
2018
   December 31,
2017
   September 30,
2018
   December 31,
2017
 

Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds

  $7,560,831   $12,954,121   $8,503,423   $12,954,121 

Equity Method Investments

        

Partnership Investments

   3,511,982    3,263,131    3,690,841    3,263,131 

Accrued Performance Allocations

   5,914,150    5,328,280    6,722,430    5,328,280 

Corporate Treasury Investments

   2,449,863    2,566,043    2,883,610    2,566,043 

Other Investments

   326,737    322,474    294,616    322,474 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $19,763,563   $24,434,049   $22,094,920   $24,434,049 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Blackstone’s share of Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds totaled $348.7$413.7 million and $488.4 million at March 31,September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds

The following table presents the Realized and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses) on investments held by the consolidated Blackstone Funds and a reconciliation to Other Income — Net Gains from Fund Investment Activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations:

 

  Three Months Ended
March 31,
   Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
  2018   2017   2018   2017   2018   2017 

Realized Gains (Losses)

  $(17,858  $55,908 

Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses)

   97,241    (28,522

Realized Gains

  $23,475   $2,664   $57,853   $110,349 

Net Change in Unrealized Gains

   415    16,990    75,378    7,951 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Realized and Net Change in Unrealized Gains from Consolidated Blackstone Funds

   79,383    27,386    23,890    19,654    133,231    118,300 

Interest and Dividend Revenue Attributable to Consolidated Blackstone Funds

   31,216    38,746    42,948    43,794    117,725    121,334 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Other Income — Net Gains from Fund Investment Activities

  $110,599   $66,132   $66,838   $63,448   $250,956   $239,634 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Equity Method Investments

Blackstone’s equity method investments include Partnership Investments, which represent the pro-ratapro rata investments, and any associated Accrued Performance Allocations, in private equity funds, real estate funds, funds of

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

hedge funds and credit-focused funds. Partnership Investments also includes the 40%non-controlling interest in Pátria Investments Limited and Pátria Investimentos Ltda. (collectively, “Pátria”).

Blackstone evaluates each of its equity method investments, excluding Accrued Performance Allocations, to determine if any were significant as defined by guidance from the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. As of and for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017, no individual equity method investment held by Blackstone met the significance criteria. As such, Blackstone is not required to present separate financial statements for any of its equity method investments.

Partnership Investments

Blackstone recognized net gains related to its Partnership Investments accounted for under the equity method of $162.5$137.6 million and $168.5$152.1 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The Partnership recognized net gains related to its equity method investments of $465.6 million and $444.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

Accrued Performance Allocations

Accrued Performance Allocations to the Partnership in respect of performance of certain Blackstone Funds were as follows:

 

   Private  Real  Hedge Fund       
   Equity  Estate  Solutions  Credit  Total 

Accrued Performance Allocations, December 31, 2017

  $1,916,971  $2,859,307  $13,802  $538,200  $5,328,280 

Performance Allocations as a Result of Changes in Fund Fair Values

   474,439   357,680   7,072   38,724   877,915 

Foreign Exchange Gain

   —     19,814   —     —     19,814 

Fund Distributions

   (76,203  (168,717  (5,977  (60,962  (311,859
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Accrued Performance Allocations, March 31, 2018

  $2,315,207  $3,068,084  $14,897  $515,962  $5,914,150 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  Private
Equity
  Real Estate  Hedge Fund
Solutions
  Credit  Total 

Accrued Performance Allocations,
December 31, 2017

 $1,916,971  $2,859,307  $13,802  $538,200  $5,328,280 

Performance Allocations as a Result of Changes in Fund Fair Values

  1,643,509   917,619   30,694   160,961   2,752,783 

Foreign Exchange Loss

  —     (20,143  —     —     (20,143

Fund Distributions

  (403,531  (809,249  (7,196  (118,514  (1,338,490
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Accrued Performance Allocations, September 30, 2018

 $3,156,949  $2,947,534  $37,300  $580,647  $6,722,430 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Corporate Treasury Investments

The portion of corporate treasury investments included in Investments represents the Partnership’s investments into primarily fixed income securities, mutual fund interests, and other fund interests. These strategies are managed by a combination of Blackstone personnel and third party advisors. The following table presents the Realized and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses) on these investments:

 

  Three Months Ended
March 31,
   Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
  2018   2017   2018 2017   2018 2017 

Realized Gains (Losses)

  $2,339   $(5,681  $(2,504 $7,424   $4,609  $3,995 

Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses)

   (8,194   30,480    14,691   8,258    (205  51,553 
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 
  $(5,855)   $24,799   $12,187 $15,682   $4,404 $55,548 
  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Other Investments

Other Investments consist primarily of proprietary investment securities held by Blackstone. Other investments include equity investments without readily determinable fair values which have a carrying value of $44.9 million as of September 30, 2018. The following table presents Blackstone’s Realized and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses) in Other Investments:

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2018   2017  2018   2017 

Realized Gains

  $30,618   $2,955  $46,937   $5,825 

Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses)

   3,683    (1,783  49,094    8,508 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $34,301   $1,172  $96,031   $14,333 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

Other Investments

Other Investments consist primarily of proprietary investment securities held by Blackstone. The following table presents Blackstone’s Realized and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses) in other investments:

   Three Months Ended March 31, 
           2018                   2017         

Realized Gains

  $112   $5 

Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses)

   (4,232   5,488 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $(4,120  $5,493 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

5.

NET ASSET VALUE AS FAIR VALUE

A summary of fair value by strategy type alongside the remaining unfunded commitments and ability to redeem such investments as of March 31,September 30, 2018 is presented below:

 

Strategy

  Fair Value   Unfunded
Commitments
   Redemption
Frequency
(if currently
eligible)
 Redemption
Notice Period
   Fair Value   Unfunded
Commitments
   Redemption
Frequency
(if currently
eligible)
 Redemption
Notice Period
 

Diversified Instruments

  $270,119   $135    (a  (a  $211,301   $130    (a  (a

Credit Driven

   135,370    268    (b  (b   115,365    268    (b  (b

Equity

   55,082    —      (c  (c   38,309    —      (c  (c

Commodities

   1,865    —      (d  (d   1,826    —      (d  (d
  

 

   

 

      

 

   

 

    
  $462,436   $403      $366,801   $398    
  

 

   

 

      

 

   

 

    

 

(a)

Diversified Instruments include investments in funds that invest across multiple strategies. Investments representing 3% of the fair value of the investments in this category may not be redeemed at, or within three months of, the reporting date. The remaining 97% of investments in this category are redeemable as of the reporting date.

(b)

The Credit Driven category includes investments in hedge funds that invest primarily in domestic and international bonds. Investments representing 51%40% of the fair value of the investments in this category may not be redeemed at, or within three months of, the reporting date. The remaining 49%60% of investments in this category are redeemable as of the reporting date.

(c)

The Equity category includes investments in hedge funds that invest primarily in domestic and international equity securities. Investments representing 100% of the fair value of the investments in this category may not be redeemed at, or within three months of, the reporting date. As of the reporting date, the investee fund manager had elected to side-pocket 9% of Blackstone’s investments in the category.

(d)

The Commodities category includes investments in commodities-focused funds that primarily invest in futures and physical-based commodity driven strategies. Investments representing 100% of the fair value of the investments in this category may not be redeemed at, or within three months of, the reporting date.

 

6.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Blackstone and the consolidated Blackstone Funds enter into derivative contracts in the normal course of business to achieve certain risk management objectives and for general investment purposes. Blackstone may enter into derivative contracts in order to hedge its interest rate risk exposure against the effects of interest rate changes. Additionally, Blackstone may also enter into derivative contracts in order to hedge its foreign currency risk exposure against the effects of a portion of itsnon-U.S. dollar denominated currency net investments. As a result of

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

the use of derivative contracts, Blackstone and the consolidated Blackstone Funds are exposed to the risk that counterparties will fail to fulfill their contractual obligations. To mitigate such counterparty risk, Blackstone and the consolidated Blackstone Funds enter into contracts with certain major financial institutions, all of which have investment grade ratings. Counterparty credit risk is evaluated in determining the fair value of derivative instruments.

Net Investment Hedges

To manage the potential exposure from adverse changes in currency exchange rates arising from Blackstone’s net investment in foreign operations, during December 2014, Blackstone entered into several foreign currency forward contracts to hedge a portion of the net investment in Blackstone’snon-U.S. dollar denominated foreign operations.

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

Blackstone uses foreign currency forward contracts to hedge portions of Blackstone’s net investments in foreign operations. The gains and losses due to change in fair value attributable to changes in spot exchange rates on foreign currency derivatives designated as net investment hedges were recognized in Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax — Currency Translation Adjustment. For the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 there was no resulting gain or loss. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 the resulting loss was $1.4 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, Blackstone deconsolidated the foreign investment vehicle for which the foreign currency derivatives were designated as net investment hedges. As a result, $0.8 million was reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition to Other Revenue on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. Following theirde-designation, these foreign currency derivatives will be presented as freestanding derivatives.

Freestanding Derivatives

Freestanding derivatives are instruments that Blackstone and certain of the consolidated Blackstone Funds have entered into as part of their overall risk management and investment strategies. These derivative contracts are not designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes. Such contracts may include interest rate swaps, foreign exchange contracts, equity swaps, options, futures and other derivative contracts.

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

The table below summarizes the aggregate notional amount and fair value of the derivative financial instruments. The notional amount represents the absolute value amount of all outstanding derivative contracts.

 

 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017  September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 
 Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities  Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities 
 Notional Fair
Value
 Notional Fair
Value
 Notional Fair
Value
 Notional Fair
Value
  Notional Fair
Value
 Notional Fair
Value
 Notional Fair
Value
 Notional Fair
Value
 

Net Investment Hedges

                

Foreign Currency Contracts

 $—    $—    $—    $—    $—    $—    $50,857  $453  $—    $—    $—    $—    $—    $—    $50,857  $453 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Freestanding Derivatives

                

Blackstone

                

Interest Rate Contracts

  404,005   570   1,599,198   63,103   225,550   2,042   1,530,751   27,275   967,128   36,660   908,553   58,097   225,550   2,042   1,530,751   27,275 

Foreign Currency Contracts

  465,677   2,151   345,181   1,093   279,050   2,097   296,252   2,975   26,614   961   327,124   2,190   279,050   2,097   296,252   2,975 

Credit Default Swaps

  446   50   1,852   264   2,073   304   2,073   304   —     —     28,509   1,687   2,073   304   2,073   304 

Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds

                

Foreign Currency Contracts

  101,863   2,922   33,380   1,014   493,181   24,087   264,693   5,628   107,009   1,906   25,081   1,504   493,181   24,087   264,693   5,628 

Credit Default Swaps

  35,768   1,819   40,570   4,319   45,670   3,731   45,582   5,163   22,961   170   50,242   3,599   45,670   3,731   45,582   5,163 

Total Return Swaps

  27,520   772   —     —     25,645   526   —     —     31,492   233   —     —     25,645   526   —     —   

Equity Options

  1   122   1   67   —     —     —     —   
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
  1,035,279   8,284   2,020,181   69,793   1,071,169   32,787   2,139,351   41,345   1,155,205   40,052   1,339,510   67,144   1,071,169   32,787   2,139,351   41,345 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
 $1,035,279  $8,284  $2,020,181  $69,793  $1,071,169  $32,787  $2,190,208  $41,798  $1,155,205  $40,052  $1,339,510  $67,144  $1,071,169  $32,787  $2,190,208  $41,798 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

The table below summarizes the impact to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations from derivative financial instruments:

 

  Three Months Ended
March 31,
   Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
  2018 2017   2018 2017 2018 2017 

Net Investment Hedges — Foreign Currency Contracts

        

Hedge Ineffectiveness

  $(8 $(22  $—    $(37 $(8 $(72
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Freestanding Derivatives

        

Realized Gains (Losses)

        

Interest Rate Contracts

  $1,621  $(940  $401  $(1,195 $2,471  $(5,142

Foreign Currency Contracts

   (4,083  1,420    3,583   17,002   11,821   13,690 

Credit Default Swaps

   (401  5    (333  (1,964  (841  (3,622

Total Return Swaps

   1   —      (37  293   137   293 

Equity Options

   —     (258  —     (258
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
  $(2,862 $485   $3,614  $13,878  $13,588  $4,961 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses)

        

Interest Rate Contracts

  $(37,300 $(217  $7,076  $(6,273 $7,037  $(6,916

Foreign Currency Contracts

   (3,728  (1,960   (5,248  4,638   (7,520  17,320 

Credit Default Swaps

   (127  1,947    2,368   1,966   2,856   5,127 

Total Return Swaps

   57   —      (173  (397  (121  (397

Equity Options

   (99  38   (99  38 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
  $(41,098 $(230  $3,924  $(28 $2,153  $15,172 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

As of March 31,September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Partnership had not designated any derivatives as cash flow hedges.

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

7.

FAIR VALUE OPTION

The following table summarizes the financial instruments for which the fair value option has been elected:

 

  March 31,
2018
   December 31,
2017
   September 30,
2018
   December 31,
2017
 

Assets

        

Loans and Receivables

  $163,135   $239,659   $419,803   $239,659 

Equity and Preferred Securities

   476,499    475,485    473,778    475,485 

Debt Securities

   489,950    418,061    523,556    418,061 

Assets of Consolidated CLO Vehicles

        

Corporate Loans

   6,057,153    10,825,759    6,917,711    10,825,759 

Corporate Bonds

   —      690,125    —      690,125 

Other

   —      458    —      458 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $7,186,737   $12,649,547   $8,334,848   $12,649,547 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Liabilities

        

Liabilities of Consolidated CLO Vehicles

        

Senior Secured Notes

        

Loans Payable

  $5,612,150   $10,594,656   $6,520,975   $10,594,656 

Due to Affiliates

   3,269    996    3,273    996 

Subordinated Notes

        

Loans Payable

   150,220    703,164    158,623    703,164 

Due to Affiliates

   65,334    40,390    65,259    40,390 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $5,830,973   $11,339,206   $6,748,130   $11,339,206 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

The following tabletables presents the Realized and Net Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses) on financial instruments on which the fair value option was elected:

 

  Three Months Ended March 31,   Three Months Ended September 30, 
  2018   2017   2018 2017 
  Realized
Gains (Losses)
 Net Change
in Unrealized
Gains
   Realized
Gains
   Net Change
in Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
   Realized
Gains (Losses)
 Net Change in
Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
 Realized
Gains (Losses)
 Net Change in
Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
 

Assets

            

Loans and Receivables

  $—    $—     $—     $7,418 

Equity and Preferred Securities

   —     228    —      13,109   $—    $20,329  $18  $3,599 

Debt Securities

   812   581    —      —      (2,461  325   3,171   (1,425

Assets of Consolidated CLO Vehicles

            

Corporate Loans

   (5,473  18,850    1,872    (11,389   (3,030  (14,095  (4,358  (29,172

Corporate Bonds

   (24,056  9,693    5,634    (5,874   —     —     326   (12,732

Other

   —     6    —      —      —     —     —     356 
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
  $(28,717 $29,358   $7,506   $3,264   $(5,491 $6,559  $(843 $(39,374
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Liabilities

            

Liabilities of Consolidated CLO Vehicles

       

Liabilities of Consolidated CLO Vehicles —

     

Subordinated Notes

  $—    $43,614   $—     $7,912   $—    $36,021  $—    $39,007 
  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

   Nine Months Ended September 30, 
   2018  2017 
   Realized
Gains (Losses)
  Net Change
in Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
  Realized
Gains (Losses)
  Net Change in
Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
 

Assets

     

Loans and Receivables

  $—    $—    $—    $7,418 

Equity and Preferred Securities

   —     18,462   19   23,824 

Debt Securities

   (1,634  (1,973  3,515   (3,300

Assets of Consolidated CLO Vehicles

     

Corporate Loans

   (7,429  (21,134  (2,778  (16,974

Corporate Bonds

   (24,056  9,693   8,011   (19,477

Other

   —     6   —     500 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  $(33,119 $5,054  $8,767  $(8,009
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Liabilities

     

Liabilities of Consolidated CLO Vehicles —

     

Subordinated Notes

  $—    $96,481  $—    $71,719 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The following table presents information for those financial instruments for which the fair value option was elected:

 

 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017  September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 
   For Financial Assets Past Due (a)   For Financial Assets
Past Due (a)
    For Financial Assets
Past Due (a)
   For Financial Assets
Past Due (a)
 
 Excess
of Fair Value
Over Principal
 Fair Value Excess
of Fair Value
Over Principal
 Excess
(Deficiency)
of Fair Value
Over Principal
 Fair
Value
 (Deficiency)
of Fair Value
Over Principal
  Excess
(Deficiency)
of Fair Value
Over Principal
 Fair
Value
 Excess
of Fair  Value
Over Principal
 Excess
(Deficiency) of
Fair Value
Over Principal
 Fair
Value
 (Deficiency)
of Fair Value
Over Principal
 

Loans and Receivables

 $1,215  $—    $—    $1,207  $—    $—    $1,060  $—    $—    $1,207  $—    $—   

Debt Securities

  78   —     —     (372  —     —     (2,168  —     —     (372  —     —   

Assets of Consolidated CLO Vehicles

            

Corporate Loans

  19,027   —     —     (13,495  57,778   (19,633  (29,513  —     —     (13,495  57,778   (19,633

Corporate Bonds

  —     —     —     (21,455  —     —     —     —     —     (21,455  —     —   
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
 $20,320  $—    $—    $(34,115 $57,778  $(19,633 $(30,621 $—    $—    $(34,115 $57,778  $(19,633
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

(a)

Corporate Loans and Corporate Bonds within CLO assets are classified as past due if contractual payments are more than one day past due.

As of March 31,September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, no Loans and Receivables for which the fair value option was elected were past due or innon-accrual status. As of March 31,September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, no Corporate Bonds included within the Assets of Consolidated CLO Vehicles for which the fair value option was elected were past due or innon-accrual status.

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

8.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The following tables summarize the valuation of the Partnership’s financial assets and liabilities by the fair value hierarchy:

 

  March 31, 2018   September 30, 2018 
  Level I   Level II   Level III   NAV   Total   Level I   Level II   Level III   NAV   Total 

Assets

                    

Cash and Cash Equivalents — Money Market Funds

  $492,345   $—     $—     $—     $492,345   $471,940   $—     $—     $—     $471,940 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Investments

                    

Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds (a)

                    

Investment Funds

   —      —      —      124,736    124,736    —      —      —      85,287    85,287 

Equity Securities

   57,381    52,225    140,272    —      249,878    67,442    44,256    190,692    —      302,390 

Partnership and LLC Interests

   —      1,956    327,949    —      329,905    —      6,714    329,474    —      336,188 

Debt Instruments

   —      709,597    84,049    —      793,646    —      758,340    101,076    —      859,416 

Freestanding Derivatives

                    

Foreign Currency Contracts

   —      2,922    —      —      2,922    —      1,906    —      —      1,906 

Credit Default Swaps

   —      1,819    —      —      1,819    —      170    —      —      170 

Total Return Swaps

   —      772    —      —      772    —      233    —      —      233 

Assets of Consolidated CLO Vehicles — Corporate Loans

   —      5,646,272    410,881    —      6,057,153 

Equity Options

   —      122    —      —      122 

Assets of Consolidated CLO Vehicles —Corporate Loans

   —      6,368,295    549,416    —      6,917,711 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds

   57,381    6,415,563    963,151    124,736    7,560,831    67,442    7,180,036    1,170,658    85,287    8,503,423 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Corporate Treasury Investments

                    

Equity Securities

   281,273    —      —      —      281,273    316,771    —      —      —      316,771 

Debt Instruments

   —      1,830,676    19,946    —      1,850,622    406,164    1,880,805    17,038    —      2,304,007 

Other

   —      —      —      317,968    317,968    —      —      —      262,832    262,832 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total Corporate Treasury Investments

   281,273    1,830,676    19,946    317,968    2,449,863    722,935    1,880,805    17,038    262,832    2,883,610 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Other Investments

   195,685    13,917    97,403    19,732    326,737    202,453    —      73,481    18,682    294,616 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total Investments

   534,339    8,260,156    1,080,500    462,436    10,337,431    992,830    9,060,841    1,261,177    366,801    11,681,649 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Accounts Receivable — Loans and Receivables

   —      —      163,135    —      163,135    —      —      419,803    —      419,803 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Other Assets

                    

Freestanding Derivatives

                    

Interest Rate Contracts

   303    267    —      —      570    2,109    34,551    —      —      36,660 

Foreign Currency Contracts

   —      2,151    —      —      2,151    —      961    —      —      961 

Credit Default Swaps

   —      50    —      —      50 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total Other Assets

   303    2,468    —      —      2,771    2,109    35,512    —      —      37,621 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $1,026,987   $8,262,624   $1,243,635   $462,436   $10,995,682   $1,466,879   $9,096,353   $1,680,980   $366,801   $12,611,013 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

  March 31, 2018   September 30, 2018 
  Level I   Level II   Level III   Total   Level I   Level II   Level III   Total 

Liabilities

                

Loans Payable — Liabilities of Consolidated CLO Vehicles (a)

                

Senior Secured Notes (b)

  $—     $5,612,150   $—     $5,612,150   $—     $6,520,975   $—     $6,520,975 

Subordinated Notes (b)

   —      150,220    —      150,220    —      158,623    —      158,623 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total Loans Payable

   —      5,762,370    —      5,762,370    —      6,679,598    —      6,679,598 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Due to Affiliates — Liabilities of Consolidated CLO Vehicles (a)

                

Senior Secured Notes (b)

   —      3,269    —      3,269    —      3,273    —      3,273 

Subordinated Notes (b)

   —      65,334    —      65,334    —      65,259    —      65,259 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total Due to Affiliates

   —      68,603    —      68,603    —      68,532    —      68,532 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased

   —      167,457    —      167,457    35,374    130,936    —      166,310 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities

                

Liabilities of Consolidated Blackstone Funds — Freestanding Derivatives (a)

                

Foreign Currency Contracts

   —      1,014    —      1,014    —      1,504    —      1,504 

Credit Default Swaps

   —      4,319    —      4,319    —      3,599    —      3,599 

Equity Options

   —      67    —      67 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total Liabilities of Consolidated Blackstone Funds

   —      5,333    —      5,333    —      5,170    —      5,170 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Freestanding Derivatives

                

Interest Rate Contracts

   1,369    61,734    —      63,103    875    57,222    —      58,097 

Foreign Currency Contracts

   —      1,093    —      1,093    —      2,190    —      2,190 

Credit Default Swaps

   —      264    —      264    —      1,687    —      1,687 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total Freestanding Derivatives

   1,369    63,091    —      64,460    875    61,099    —      61,974 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities

   1,369    68,424    —      69,793    875    66,269    —      67,144 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $1,369   $6,066,854   $—     $6,068,223   $36,249   $6,945,335   $ —     $6,981,584 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

  December 31, 2017   December 31, 2017 
  Level I   Level II   Level III   NAV   Total   Level I   Level II   Level III   NAV   Total 

Assets

                    

Cash and Cash Equivalents — Money Market Funds

  $853,680   $—     $—     $—     $853,680   $853,680   $—     $—     $—     $853,680 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Investments

                    

Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds (a)

                    

Investment Funds

   —      —      —      130,339    130,339    —      —      —      130,339    130,339 

Equity Securities

   67,443    44,026    131,867    —      243,336    67,443    44,026    131,867    —      243,336 

Partnership and LLC Interests

   —      2,549    331,448    —      333,997    —      2,549    331,448    —      333,997 

Debt Instruments

   —      643,608    58,155    —      701,763    —      643,608    58,155    —      701,763 

Freestanding Derivatives Foreign Currency Contracts

   —      101    —      —      101 

Freestanding Derivatives

          

Foreign Currency Contracts

   —      101    —      —      101 

Credit Default Swaps

   —      3,731    —      —      3,731    —      3,731    —      —      3,731 

Total Return Swaps

   —      526    —      —      526    —      526    —      —      526 

Assets of Consolidated CLO Vehicles

                    

Corporate Loans

   —      10,318,316    507,443    —      10,825,759    —      10,318,316    507,443    —      10,825,759 

Corporate Bonds

   —      690,125    —      —      690,125    —      690,125    —      —      690,125 

Freestanding Derivatives — Foreign Currency Contracts

   —      23,986    —      —      23,986    —      23,986    —      —      23,986 

Other

   —      —      458    —      458    —      —      458    —      458 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds

   67,443    11,726,968    1,029,371    130,339    12,954,121    67,443    11,726,968    1,029,371    130,339    12,954,121 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Corporate Treasury Investments

                    

Equity Securities

   282,866    —      —      —      282,866    282,866    —      —      —      282,866 

Debt Instruments

   —      1,943,654    24,249    —      1,967,903    —      1,943,654    24,249    —      1,967,903 

Other

   —      —      —      315,274    315,274    —      —      —      315,274    315,274 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total Corporate Treasury Investments

   282,866    1,943,654    24,249    315,274    2,566,043    282,866    1,943,654    24,249    315,274    2,566,043 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Other Investments

   193,072    14,162    95,393    19,847    322,474    193,072    14,162    95,393    19,847    322,474 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total Investments

   543,381    13,684,784    1,149,013    465,460    15,842,638    543,381    13,684,784    1,149,013    465,460    15,842,638 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Accounts Receivable — Loans and Receivables

   —      —      239,659    —      239,659    —      —      239,659    —      239,659 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Other Assets

                    

Freestanding Derivatives

                    

Interest Rate Contracts

   575    1,467    —      —      2,042    575    1,467    —      —      2,042 

Foreign Currency Contracts

   —      2,097    —      —      2,097    —      2,097    —      —      2,097 

Credit Default Swaps

   —      304    —      —      304    —      304    —      —      304 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total Other Assets

   575    3,868    —      —      4,443    575    3,868    —      —      4,443 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $1,397,636   $13,688,652   $1,388,672   $465,460   $16,940,420   $1,397,636   $13,688,652   $1,388,672   $465,460   $16,940,420 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

  December 31, 2017   December 31, 2017 
  Level I   Level II   Level III   Total   Level I   Level II   Level III   Total 

Liabilities

                

Loans Payable — Liabilities of Consolidated CLO Vehicles (a)

                

Senior Secured Notes (b)

  $—     $10,594,656   $—     $10,594,656   $—     $10,594,656   $—     $10,594,656 

Subordinated Notes (b)

   —      703,164    —      703,164    —      703,164    —      703,164 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total Loans Payable

   —      11,297,820    —      11,297,820    —      11,297,820    —      11,297,820 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Due to Affiliates — Liabilities of Consolidated CLO Vehicles (a)

                

Senior Secured Notes (b)

   —      996    —      996    —      996    —      996 

Subordinated Notes (b)

   —      40,390    —      40,390    —      40,390    —      40,390 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total Due to Affiliates

   —      41,386    —      41,386    —      41,386    —      41,386 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased

   —      154,380    —      154,380    —      154,380    —      154,380 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities

                

Liabilities of Consolidated Blackstone Funds — Freestanding Derivatives (a)

                

Foreign Currency Contracts

   —      5,628    —      5,628    —      5,628    —      5,628 

Credit Default Swaps

   —      5,163    —      5,163    —      5,163    —      5,163 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total Liabilities of Consolidated Blackstone Funds

   —      10,791    —      10,791    —      10,791    —      10,791 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Freestanding Derivatives

                

Interest Rate Contracts

   415    26,860    —      27,275    415    26,860    —      27,275 

Foreign Currency Contracts

   —      2,975    —      2,975    —      2,975    —      2,975 

Credit Default Swaps

   —      304    —      304    —      304    —      304 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total Freestanding Derivatives

   415    30,139    —      30,554    415    30,139    —      30,554 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Net Investment Hedges — Foreign Currency Contracts

   —      453    —      453    —      453    —      453 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities

   415    41,383    —      41,798    415    41,383    —      41,798 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $415   $11,534,969   $—     $11,535,384   $415   $11,534,969   $—     $11,535,384 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

(a)

Pursuant to GAAP consolidation guidance, the Partnership is required to consolidate all VIEs in which it has been identified as the primary beneficiary, including certain CLO vehicles and other funds in which a consolidated entity of the Partnership, as the general partner of the fund, has a controlling financial interest. While the Partnership is required to consolidate certain funds, including CLO vehicles, for GAAP purposes, the Partnership has no ability to utilize the assets of these funds and there is no recourse to the Partnership for their liabilities since these are client assets and liabilities.

(b)

Senior and subordinate notes issued by CLO vehicles are classified based on the more observable fair value of CLO assets less (a)(1) the fair value of any beneficial interests held by Blackstone, and (b)(2) the carrying value of any beneficial interests that represent compensation for services.

The following table summarizes the fair value transfers between Level I and Level II for positions that existed as of March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively:

   Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
        2018             2017      

Transfers from Level I into Level II (a)

  $—     $    —   

Transfers from Level II into Level I (b)

  $447   $    —   

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

(a)Transfers out of Level I represent those financial instruments for which restrictions exist and adjustments were made to an otherwise observable price to reflect fair value at the reporting date.
(b)Transfers into Level I represent those financial instruments for which an unadjusted quoted price in an active market became available for the identical asset.

The following table summarizes the quantitative inputs and assumptions used for items categorized in Level III of the fair value hierarchy as of March 31,September 30, 2018:

 

  Fair Value  Valuation
Techniques
  Unobservable
Inputs
  Ranges  Weighted-
Average (a)
 

Financial Assets

     

Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds

     

Equity Securities

 $100,064   Discounted Cash Flows   Discount Rate   7.1% - 32.1%   12.8% 
    Revenue CAGR   -1.2% - 41.0%   7.3% 
    Book Value Multiple   1.0x - 9.5x   7.9x 
    Exit Capitalization Rate   5.0% - 11.4%   8.2% 
    Exit Multiple - EBITDA   2.8x - 16.0x   10.0x 
    Exit Multiple - NOI   8.8x - 12.5x   10.5x 
    Exit Multiple - P/E   10.0x - 17.0x   14.3x 
  851   Market Comparable Companies   
Book Value Multiple
Exit Multiple - EBITDA
 
 
  

0.8x - 0.9x

8.0x


 

  
0.9x
N/A
 
 
  23,468   Other   N/A   N/A   N/A 
  15,889   Transaction Price   N/A   N/A   N/A 

Partnership and LLC Interests

  298,692   Discounted Cash Flows   Discount Rate   4.6% - 26.5%   9.8% 
    Revenue CAGR   -2.1% - 54.4%   7.6% 
    Book Value Multiple   8.5x - 9.3x   9.1x 
    Exit Capitalization Rate   1.5% - 25.0%   5.7% 
    Exit Multiple - EBITDA   0.1x - 16.6x   9.6x 
    Exit Multiple - NOI   12.5x   N/A 
  530   Market Comparable Companies   Book Value Multiple   1.0x   N/A 
  20,122   Other   N/A   N/A   N/A 
  677   Third Party Pricing   N/A   N/A   N/A 
  7,928   Transaction Price   N/A   N/A   N/A 

Debt Instruments

  19,567   Discounted Cash Flows   Discount Rate   8.2% - 20.0%   9.9% 
    Revenue CAGR   6.6%   N/A 
    Exit Capitalization Rate   4.2% - 8.3%   6.6% 
    Exit Multiple - NOI   12.0x   N/A 
  62,392   Third Party Pricing   N/A   N/A   N/A 
  2,090   Transaction Price   N/A   N/A   N/A 

Assets of Consolidated CLO Vehicles

  38   Discounted Cash Flows   Discount Rate   9.0%   N/A 
  410,843   Third Party Pricing   N/A   N/A   N/A 
 

 

 

     

Total Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds

  963,151     

continued …

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 Fair Value Valuation
Techniques
 Unobservable
Inputs
 Ranges Weighted-
Average (a)
  Fair Value Valuation
Techniques
 Unobservable
Inputs
 Ranges 

Weighted-
Average (a)

Financial Assets

     

Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds

     

Equity Securities

 $128,731  Discounted Cash Flows  Discount Rate  7.1% - 26.1% 12.4%
    Revenue CAGR  -12.2% - 45.4% 7.3%
    Book Value Multiple  1.1x - 9.5x 8.4x
    Exit Capitalization Rate  5.0% - 11.4% 8.0%
    Exit Multiple - EBITDA  2.6x - 17.5x 10.4x
    ExitMultiple - NOI  8.8x - 12.8x 11.9x
    ExitMultiple - P/E  10.0x - 17.0x 14.2x
  1,516  Market Comparable Companies  Book Value Multiple  0.8x - 8.0x 1.4x
  34,220  Other  N/A  N/A N/A
  26,225  Transaction Price  N/A  N/A N/A

Partnership and LLC Interests

  279,686  Discounted Cash Flows  Discount Rate  4.5% - 26.5% 9.7%
    Revenue CAGR  -3.0% - 45.5% 7.5%
    Book Value Multiple  8.5x - 9.3x 9.2x
    Exit Capitalization Rate  1.5% - 12.3% 6.1%
    ExitMultiple - EBITDA  0.1x - 15.2x 9.5x
    ExitMultiple - NOI  13.3x N/A
  626  Market Comparable Companies  Book Value Multiple  1.1x N/A
  10,755  Other  N/A  N/A N/A
  609  Third Party Pricing  N/A  N/A N/A
  37,798  Transaction Price  N/A  N/A N/A

Debt Instruments

  5,510  Discounted Cash Flows  Discount Rate  7.8% - 16.7% 9.7%
    Exit Capitalization Rate  3.9% N/A
  93,648  Third Party Pricing  N/A  N/A N/A
  1,918  Transaction Price  N/A  N/A N/A

Assets of Consolidated CLO Vehicles

  41  Discounted Cash Flows  Discount Rate  6.0% N/A
  549,375  Third Party Pricing  N/A  N/A N/A
 

 

     

Total Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds

  1,170,658     

Corporate Treasury
Investments

 $11,092   Discounted Cash Flows   Discount Rate   0.3% - 5.9%   4.8%   7,541  Discounted Cash Flows  Discount Rate  5.2% - 6.2% 5.6%
    Default Rate   2.0%   N/A     Default Rate  2.0% N/A
    Pre-payment Rate   20.0%   N/A     Pre-payment Rate  20.0% N/A
    Recovery Lag   12 Months   N/A     Recovery Lag  12 Months N/A
    Recovery Rate   30.0% - 70.0%   67.3%     Recovery Rate  30.0% - 70.0% 68.0%
    Reinvestment Rate   LIBOR + 400 bps   N/A     Reinvestment Rate  LIBOR + 400 bps N/A
  8,854   Third Party Pricing   N/A   N/A   N/A   9,497  Third Party Pricing  N/A  N/A N/A

Loans and Receivables

  163,135   Discounted Cash Flows   Discount Rate   8.4% - 10.1%   9.1%   353,494  Discounted Cash Flows  Discount Rate  4.4% - 12.9% 8.9%
  66,309  Transaction Price  N/A  N/A N/A

Other Investments

  66,973   Discounted Cash Flows   Discount Rate   0.0% - 15.0%   2.0%   27,758  Discounted Cash Flows  Discount Rate  0.8% - 9.6% 2.0%
    Default Rate   2.0%   N/A     Default Rate  2.0% N/A
    Pre-payment Rate   20.0%   N/A     Pre-payment Rate  20.0% N/A
    Recovery Lag   12 Months   N/A     Recovery Lag  12 Months N/A
    Recovery Rate   70.0%   N/A     Recovery Rate  70.0% N/A
    Reinvestment Rate   LIBOR + 400 bps   N/A     Reinvestment Rate  LIBOR + 400 bps N/A
  30,430   Transaction Price   N/A   N/A   N/A   45,723  Transaction Price  N/A  N/A N/A
 

 

      

 

     
 $1,243,635      $1,680,980     
 

 

      

 

     

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

The following table summarizes the quantitative inputs and assumptions used for items categorized in Level III of the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2017:

 

 Fair Value Valuation
Techniques
 Unobservable
Inputs
 Ranges Weighted-
Average (a)
 Fair Value Valuation
Techniques
 Unobservable
Inputs
 Ranges Weighted-
Average (a)

Financial Assets

          

Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds

          

Equity Securities

 $91,753  Discounted Cash Flows  Discount Rate  7.1% - 31.4% 12.6% $91,753  Discounted Cash Flows  Discount Rate  7.1% - 31.4% 12.6%
    Revenue CAGR  1.0% - 49.4% 7.1%    Revenue CAGR  1.0% - 49.4% 7.1%
    Exit Capitalization Rate  5.0% - 11.4% 8.5%    Exit Capitalization Rate  5.0% - 11.4% 8.5%
    Exit Multiple - EBITDA  4.0x - 16.0x 9.9x    Exit Multiple - EBITDA  4.0x - 16.0x 9.9x
    Exit Multiple - NOI  8.8x - 12.5x 10.5x    ExitMultiple - NOI  8.8x - 12.5x 10.5x
    Exit Multiple - P/E  9.5x - 17.0x 11.0x    ExitMultiple - P/E  9.5x - 17.0x 11.0x
  862  Market Comparable Companies  Book Value Multiple  0.8x - 0.9x 0.9x  862  Market Comparable Companies  Book Value Multiple  0.8x - 0.9x 0.9x
    Exit Multiple - EBITDA  8.0x N/A    ExitMultiple - EBITDA  8.0x N/A
  17,536  Other  N/A  N/A N/A  17,536  Other  N/A  N/A N/A
  21,716  Transaction Price  N/A  N/A N/A  21,716  Transaction Price  N/A  N/A N/A

Partnership and LLC Interests

  293,744  Discounted Cash Flows  Discount Rate  4.6% - 26.5% 9.8%  293,744  Discounted Cash Flows  Discount Rate  4.6% - 26.5% 9.8%
    Revenue CAGR  -22.2% - 71.5% 8.4%    Revenue CAGR  -22.2% - 71.5% 8.4%
    Exit Capitalization Rate  3.1% - 10.0% 5.7%    Exit Capitalization Rate  3.1% - 10.0% 5.7%
    Exit Multiple - EBITDA  0.1x - 15.0x 8.6x    ExitMultiple - EBITDA  0.1x - 15.0x 8.6x
    Exit Multiple - NOI  12.5x N/A    ExitMultiple - NOI  12.5x N/A
  530  Market Comparable Companies  Book Value Multiple  1.0x N/A  530  Market Comparable Companies  Book Value Multiple  1.0x N/A
  22,346  Other  N/A  N/A N/A  22,346  Other  N/A  N/A N/A
  758  Third Party Pricing  N/A  N/A N/A  758  Third Party Pricing  N/A  N/A N/A
  14,070  Transaction Price  N/A  N/A N/A  14,070  Transaction Price  N/A  N/A N/A

Debt Instruments

  6,122  Discounted Cash Flows  Discount Rate  6.6% - 18.4% 9.6%  6,122  Discounted Cash Flows  Discount Rate  6.6% - 18.4% 9.6%
    Revenue CAGR  7.7% N/A    Revenue CAGR  7.7% N/A
    Exit Capitalization Rate  8.3% N/A    Exit Capitalization Rate  8.3% N/A
    Exit Multiple - NOI  12.0x N/A    ExitMultiple - NOI  12.0x N/A
  50,136  Third Party Pricing  N/A  N/A N/A  50,136  Third Party Pricing  N/A  N/A N/A
  1,897  Transaction Price  N/A  N/A N/A  1,897  Transaction Price  N/A  N/A N/A
     

Assets of Consolidated CLO Vehicles

  8,277  Market Comparable Companies  EBITDA Multiple  7.0x N/A  8,277  Market Comparable Companies  EBITDA Multiple  7.0x N/A
  499,624  Third Party Pricing  N/A  N/A N/A  499,624  Third Party Pricing  N/A  N/A N/A
 

 

      

 

     

Total Investments of Consolidated Blackstone Funds

  1,029,371       1,029,371     

Corporate Treasury Investments

  8,886  Discounted Cash Flows  Discount Rate  5.1% - 6.3% 5.4%  8,886  Discounted Cash Flows  Discount Rate  5.1% - 6.3% 5.4%
    Default Rate  2.0% N/A    Default Rate  2.0% N/A
    Pre-payment Rate  20% N/A    Pre-payment Rate  20% N/A
    Recovery Lag  12 Months N/A    Recovery Lag  12 Months N/A
    Recovery Rate  30.0% - 70.0% 68.1%    Recovery Rate  30.0% - 70.0% 68.1%
    Reinvestment Rate  LIBOR + 400 bps N/A    Reinvestment Rate  LIBOR + 400 bps N/A
  15,363  Third Party Pricing  N/A  N/A N/A  15,363  Third Party Pricing  N/A  N/A N/A

Loans and Receivables

  239,659  Discounted Cash Flows  Discount Rate  7.1% - 10.3% 8.8%  239,659  Discounted Cash Flows  Discount Rate  7.1% - 10.3% 8.8%

Other Investments

  65,821  Discounted Cash Flows  Discount Rate  0.7% - 13.0% 2.2%  65,821  Discounted Cash Flows  Discount Rate  0.7% - 13.0% 2.2%
    Default Rate  2.0% N/A    Default Rate  2.0% N/A
    Pre-payment Rate  20.0% N/A    Pre-payment Rate  20.0% N/A
    Recovery Lag  12 Months N/A    Recovery Lag  12 Months N/A
    Recovery Rate  70.0% N/A    Recovery Rate  70.0% N/A
    Reinvestment Rate  LIBOR + 400 bps - LIBOR + 401    Reinvestment Rate  LIBOR + 400 bps - LIBOR + 401
    LIBOR + 413 bps bps    LIBOR + 413 bps bps
  29,572  Transaction Price  N/A  N/A N/A  29,572  Transaction Price  N/A  N/A N/A
 

 

      

 

     
 $1,388,672      $1,388,672     
 

 

      

 

     

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

 

N/A  Not applicable.
CAGR  Compound annual growth rate.
EBITDA  Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Exit Multiple  Ranges include the last twelve months EBITDA, forward EBITDA and price/earnings exit multiples.
NOI  Net operating income.
P/E  Price-earnings ratio.
Third Party Pricing  Third Party Pricing is generally determined on the basis of unadjusted prices between market participants provided by reputable dealers or pricing services.
Transaction Price  Includes recent acquisitions or transactions.
(a)  Unobservable inputs were weighted based on the fair value of the investments included in the range.

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of corporate treasury investments, debt instruments and other investments as of the reporting date are discount rates, default rates, recovery rates, recovery lag,pre-payment rates and reinvestment rates. Increases (decreases) in any of the discount rates, default rates, recovery lag andpre-payment rates in isolation would resulthave resulted in a lower (higher) fair value measurement. Increases (decreases) in any of the recovery rates and reinvestment rates in isolation would resulthave resulted in a higher (lower) fair value measurement. Generally, a change in the assumption used for default rates may be accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumption used for recovery lag and a directionally opposite change in the assumption used for recovery rates andpre-payment rates.

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of equity securities, partnership and limited liability company (“LLC”) interests, debt instruments, assets of consolidated CLO vehicles and loans and receivables are discount rates, exit capitalization rates, exit multiples, EBITDA multiples and revenue compound annual growth rates. Increases (decreases) in any of discount rates and exit capitalization rates in isolation can resultcould have resulted in a lower (higher) fair value measurement. Increases (decreases) in any of exit multiples and revenue compound annual growth rates in isolation can resultcould have resulted in a higher (lower) fair value measurement.

Since December 31, 2017, there have been no changes in valuation techniques within Level II and Level III that have had a material impact on the valuation of financial instruments.

The following tables summarize the changes in financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value for which the Partnership has used Level III inputs to determine fair value and does not include gains or losses that were reported in Level III in prior years or for instruments that were transferred out of Level III prior to the end of the respective reporting period. Total realized and unrealized gains and losses recorded for Level III investments are reported in either Investment Income (Loss) or Net Gains from Fund Investment Activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

  Level III Financial Assets at Fair Value
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
  2018  2017 
  Investments
of
Consolidated
Funds
  Loans and
Receivables
  Other
Investments (a)
  Total  Investments
of
Consolidated
Funds
  Loans and
Receivables
  Other
Investments (a)
  Total 

Balance, Beginning of Period

 $1,086,724  $346,603  $114,723  $1,548,050  $715,744  $306,279  $115,689  $1,137,712 

Transfer In to Level III (b)

  255,398   —     5,299   260,697   145,810   —     5,859   151,669 

Transfer Out of Level III (b)

  (221,162  —     (11,192  (232,354  (62,821  —     (721  (63,542

Purchases

  156,527   347,890   15,754   520,171   300,037   241,006   3,250   544,293 

Sales

  (119,593  (274,817  (69,272  (463,682  (154,131  (174,814  (6,723  (335,668

Settlements

  —     (8,397  —     (8,397  —     (4,469  (370  (4,839

Changes in Gains Included in Earnings

  12,764   8,524   35,207   56,495   27,116   3,730   3,232   34,078 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance, End of Period

 $1,170,658  $419,803  $90,519  $1,680,980  $971,755  $371,732  $120,216  $1,463,703 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Changes in Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings Related to Investments Still Held at the Reporting Date

 $8,229  $8,523  $5,431  $22,183  $20,207  $3,730  $(446 $23,491 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  Level III Financial Assets at Fair Value
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
  2018  2017 
  Investments
of
Consolidated
Funds
  Loans and
Receivables
  Other
Investments (a)
  Total  Investments
of
Consolidated
Funds
  Loans and
Receivables
  Other
Investments (a)
  Total 

Balance, Beginning of Period

 $1,029,371  $239,659  $119,642  $1,388,672  $685,873  $211,359  $130,588  $1,027,820 

Transfer In Due to Consolidation and Acquisition

  50,043   —     —     50,043   34,651   —      34,651 

Transfer Out Due to Deconsolidation

  (217,182  —     —     (217,182  (38,629  —     —     (38,629

Transfer In to Level III (b)

  160,125   —     5,299   165,424   99,042   —     22,254   121,296 

Transfer Out of Level III (b)

  (117,372  —     (26,909  (144,281  (138,299  —     (18,732  (157,031

Purchases

  590,153   718,811   35,567   1,344,531   584,519   578,711   24,853   1,188,083 

Sales

  (374,479  (538,520  (92,751  (1,005,750  (319,350  (426,315  (50,769  (796,434

Settlements

  —     (17,376  (4  (17,380  —     (8,362  (1,463  (9,825

Changes in Gains Included in Earnings

  49,999   17,229   49,675   116,903   63,948   16,339   13,485   93,772 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance, End of Period

 $1,170,658  $419,803  $90,519  $1,680,980  $971,755  $371,732  $120,216  $1,463,703 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Changes in Unrealized Gains Included in Earnings Related to Investments Still Held at the Reporting Date

 $11,670  $17,229  $5,049  $33,948  $19,854  $16,340  $16  $36,210 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Investment Income (Loss) or Net Gains from Fund Investment Activities in the

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

  Level III Financial Assets at Fair Value
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
  2018  2017 
  Investments
of
Consolidated
Funds
  Loans and
Receivables
  Other
Investments (a)
  Total  Investments
of
Consolidated
Funds
  Loans and
Receivables
  Other
Investments (a)
  Total 

Balance, Beginning of Period

 $1,029,371  $239,659  $119,642  $1,388,672  $685,873  $211,359  $130,588  $1,027,820 

Transfer In Due to Consolidation and Acquisition

  50,043   —     —     50,043   —     —     —     —   

Transfer Out Due to Deconsolidation

  (217,182  —     —     (217,182  —     —     —     —   

Transfer In to Level III (b)

  117,089   —     —     117,089   47,866   —     9,923   57,789 

Transfer Out of Level III (b)

  (101,336  —     (8,068  (109,404  (121,193  —     (6,080  (127,273

Purchases

  193,859   76,663   4,486   275,008   157,904   69,483   12,447   239,834 

Sales

  (133,311  (153,194  (175  (286,680  (112,814  (176,160  (10,032  (299,006

Settlements

  —     (3,683  (4  (3,687  —     (2,491  (100  (2,591

Changes in Gains Included in Earnings and Other Comprehensive Income

  24,618   3,690   1,468   29,776   28,330   9,865   1,687   39,882 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance, End of Period

 $963,151  $163,135  $117,349  $1,243,635  $685,966  $112,056  $138,433  $936,455 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Changes in Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings Related to Investments Still Held at the Reporting Date

 $19,119  $3,691  $(251 $22,559  $3,197  $9,864  $339  $13,400 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

(a)

Represents corporate treasury investments and Other Investments.

(b)

Transfers in and out of Level III financial assets and liabilities were due to changes in the observability of inputs used in the valuation of such assets and liabilities.

There were no Level III financial liabilities as of and for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017.

 

9.

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

Pursuant to GAAP consolidation guidance, the Partnership consolidates certain VIEs in which it is determined that the Partnership is the primary beneficiary either directly or indirectly, through a consolidated entity or affiliate. VIEs include certain private equity, real estate, credit-focused or funds of hedge funds entities and CLO vehicles. The purpose of such VIEs is to provide strategy specific investment opportunities for investors in exchange for management and performance based fees. The investment strategies of the Blackstone Funds differ by product; however, the fundamental risks of the Blackstone Funds have similar characteristics, including loss of invested capital and loss of management fees and performance based fees. In Blackstone’s role as general partner, collateral manager or investment adviser, it generally considers itself the sponsor of the applicable Blackstone Fund. The Partnership does not provide performance guarantees and has no other financial obligation to provide funding to consolidated VIEs other than its own capital commitments.

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

The assets of consolidated variable interest entities may only be used to settle obligations of these consolidated Blackstone Funds. In addition, there is no recourse to the Partnership for the consolidated VIEs’ liabilities including the liabilities of the consolidated CLO vehicles.

During the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, the Partnership’s ownership interest in certain CLO and other vehicles originated outside of the U.S. was diluted such that the Partnership determined that it was no longer the primary beneficiary of these VIEs and deconsolidated these vehicles. As of the date of deconsolidation, the Partnership’s Total Assets, Total Liabilities andNon-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities were reduced by $8.9 billion, $8.7 billion and $196.1 million, respectively. The Partnership will continue to receive management fees and Performance Allocations from these vehicles following the dilution of its ownership interest.

The Partnership holds variable interests in certain VIEs which are not consolidated as it is determined that the Partnership is not the primary beneficiary. The Partnership’s involvement with such entities is in the form of direct equity interests and fee arrangements. The maximum exposure to loss represents the loss of assets recognized by Blackstone relating tonon-consolidated entities, any amounts due tonon-consolidated entities and any clawback obligation relating to previously distributed Performance Allocations. The assets and liabilities recognized in the Partnership’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition related to the Partnership’s interest in thesenon-consolidated VIEs and the Partnership’s maximum exposure to loss relating tonon-consolidated VIEs were as follows:

 

  March 31,
2018
   December 31,
2017
   September 30,
2018
   December 31,
2017
 

Investments

  $942,102   $805,501   $941,393   $805,501 

Accounts Receivable

   17,736    15,760    —      15,760 

Due from Affiliates

   211,763    81,465    300,125    81,465 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total VIE Assets

   1,171,601    902,726    1,241,518    902,726 

Due to Affiliates

   80    179    5,653    179 

Potential Clawback Obligation

   102,907    98,331    55,504    98,331 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Maximum Exposure to Loss

  $1,274,588   $1,001,236   $1,302,675   $1,001,236 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

10.

REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

At March 31,September 30, 2018, the Partnership pledged securities with a carrying value of $171.2$231.6 million and cash to collateralize its repurchase agreements. Such securities can be repledged, delivered or otherwise used by the counterparty.

At December 31, 2017, the Partnership pledged securities with a carrying value of $169.7 million and cash to collateralize its repurchase agreements. Such securities can be repledged, delivered or otherwise used by the counterparty.

The following tables provide information regarding the Partnership’s Repurchase Agreements obligation by type of collateral pledged:

   September 30, 2018 
   Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements 
   Overnight and
Continuous
   Up to 30
Days
   30 - 90
Days
   Greater than
90 days
   Total 

Repurchase Agreements

          

Asset-Backed Securities

  $—     $56,636   $69,084   $73,768   $199,488 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross Amount of Recognized Liabilities for Repurchase Agreements in Note 11. “Offsetting of Assets and Liabilities”

 

  $199,488 
          

 

 

 

Amounts Related to Agreements Not Included in Offsetting Disclosure in Note 11. “Offsetting of Assets and Liabilities”

 

  $—   
          

 

 

 

   December 31, 2017 
   Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements 
   Overnight  and
Continuous
   Up to 30
Days
   30 - 90
Days
   Greater than
90 days
   Total 

Repurchase Agreements

                        

Asset-Backed Securities

  $—     $22,756   $96,084   $—     $118,840 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross Amount of Recognized Liabilities for Repurchase Agreements in Note 11. “Offsetting of Assets and Liabilities”

 

  $118,840 
          

 

 

 

Amounts Related to Agreements Not Included in Offsetting Disclosure in Note 11. “Offsetting of Assets and Liabilities”

 

  $—   
          

 

 

 

11.

OFFSETTING OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

The following tables present the offsetting of assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2018:

   Gross and Net
Amounts of Assets
Presented in the
Statement of

Financial Condition
   Gross Amounts Not Offset in
the Statement of Financial
Condition
     
   Financial
Instruments (a)
   Cash Collateral
Received
   Net Amount 

Assets

        

Freestanding Derivatives

  $39,455   $36,084   $—     $3,371 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

The following tables provide information regarding the Partnership’s Repurchase Agreements obligation by type of collateral pledged:

   March 31, 2018 
   Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements 
   Overnight and
Continuous
   Up to 30
Days
   30 - 90
Days
   Greater than
90 days
   Total 

Repurchase Agreements

          

Asset-Backed Securities

  $—     $25,185   $69,960   $47,374   $142,519 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross Amount of Recognized Liabilities for Repurchase Agreements in Note 11. “Offsetting of Assets and Liabilities”

 

  $142,519 
          

 

 

 

Amounts Related to Agreements Not Included in Offsetting Disclosure in Note 11. “Offsetting of Assets and Liabilities”

 

  $—   
          

 

 

 

   December 31, 2017 
   Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements 
   Overnight and
Continuous
   Up to 30
Days
   30 - 90
Days
   Greater than
90 days
   Total 

Repurchase Agreements

          

Asset-Backed Securities

  $—     $22,756   $96,084   $—     $118,840 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross Amount of Recognized Liabilities for Repurchase Agreements in Note 11. “Offsetting of Assets and Liabilities”

 

  $118,840 
          

 

 

 

Amounts Related to Agreements Not Included in Offsetting Disclosure in Note 11. “Offsetting of Assets and Liabilities”

 

  $—   
          

 

 

 
   Gross and Net
Amounts of Liabilities
Presented in the
Statement of

Financial Condition
   Gross Amounts Not Offset in
the Statement of Financial
Condition
     
   Financial
Instruments (a)
   Cash Collateral
Pledged
   Net Amount 

Liabilities

        

Freestanding Derivatives

  $67,144   $58,129   $6,904   $2,111 

Repurchase Agreements

   199,488    199,488    —      —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $266,632   $257,617   $6,904   $2,111 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

11.(a)OFFSETTING OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Amounts presented are inclusive of both legally enforceable master netting agreements, and financial instruments received or pledged as collateral. Financial instruments received or pledged as collateral offset derivative counterparty risk exposure, but do not reduce net balance sheet exposure.

The following tables present the offsetting of assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2018:

   Gross and Net
Amounts of Assets
Presented in the
Statement of

Financial Condition
   Gross Amounts Not Offset in
the Statement of Financial
Condition
     
     Financial
Instruments
   Cash Collateral
Received
   Net Amount 

Assets

        

Freestanding Derivatives

  $5,591   $3,135   $—     $2,456 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

   Gross and Net
Amounts of Liabilities
Presented in the
Statement of

Financial Condition
   Gross Amounts Not Offset in
the Statement of Financial
Condition
     
     Financial
Instruments
   Cash Collateral
Pledged
   Net Amount 

Liabilities

        

Freestanding Derivatives

  $69,793   $3,135   $3,783   $62,875 

Repurchase Agreements

   142,519    142,519    —      —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $212,312   $145,654   $3,783   $62,875 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

The following tables present the offsetting of assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2017:

 

  Gross and Net
Amounts of Assets
Presented in the
Statement of

Financial Condition
   Gross Amounts Not Offset in
the Statement of Financial
Condition
       Gross and Net
Amounts of Assets
Presented in the
Statement of

Financial Condition
   Gross Amounts Not Offset in
the Statement of Financial
Condition
     
  Financial
Instruments
   Cash Collateral
Received
   Net Amount   Financial
Instruments
   Cash Collateral
Received
   Net Amount 

Assets

                

Freestanding Derivatives

  $8,801   $3,279   $—     $5,522   $8,801   $3,279   $—     $5,522 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

  Gross and Net
Amounts of Liabilities
Presented in the
Statement of

Financial Condition
   Gross Amounts Not Offset in
the Statement of Financial
Condition
       Gross and Net
Amounts of Liabilities
Presented in the
Statement of

Financial Condition
   Gross Amounts Not Offset in
the Statement of Financial
Condition
     
  Financial
Instruments
   Cash Collateral
Pledged
   Net Amount   Financial
Instruments
   Cash Collateral
Pledged
   Net Amount 

Liabilities

                

Net Investment Hedges

  $453   $—     $—     $453   $453   $—     $—     $453 

Freestanding Derivatives

   36,234    3,279    32,405    550    36,234    3,279    32,405    550 

Repurchase Agreements

   118,840    118,840    —      —      118,840    118,840    —      —   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $155,527   $122,119   $32,405   $1,003   $155,527   $122,119   $32,405   $1,003 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Repurchase Agreements are presented separately on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Freestanding Derivative assets are included in Other Assets in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. The following table presents the components of Other Assets:

 

  March 31, 2018   December 31, 2017   September 30, 2018   December 31, 2017 

Furniture, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements, Net

  $123,973   $126,566   $116,615   $126,566 

Prepaid Expenses

   90,104    78,723    96,170    78,723 

Other Assets

   19,558    32,965    19,064    32,965 

Freestanding Derivatives

   2,771    4,443    37,621    4,443 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $236,406   $242,697   $269,470   $242,697 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Freestanding Derivative liabilities are included in Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition and are not a significant component thereof.

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

Notional Pooling Arrangement

Blackstone has a notional cash pooling arrangement with a financial institution for cash management purposes. This arrangement allows for cash withdrawals based upon aggregate cash balances on deposit at the same financial institution. Cash withdrawals cannot exceed aggregate cash balances on deposit. The net balance of cash on deposit and overdrafts is used as a basis for calculating net interest expense or income. As of March 31,September 30, 2018, the aggregate cash balance on deposit relating to the cash pooling arrangement was $1.1$1.4 billion, which was offset with an accompanying overdraft of $1.1$1.4 billion.

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

12.

BORROWINGS

On September 21, 2018, Blackstone Holdings Finance Co. L.L.C. (the “Issuer”), an indirect subsidiary of the Partnership, entered into an amended and restated $1.6 billion revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto. The amendment and restatement to the Issuer’s existing credit facility, among other things, increased the amount of available borrowings and extended the maturity date from August 31, 2021 to September 21, 2023.

The following table presents the general characteristics of each of our Notes, as well as their carrying value and fair value. The Notes are included in Loans Payable within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. All of the Notes were issued at a discount. All of the Notes accrue interest from the Issue Date and all pay interest in arrears on a semi-annual basis or annual basis as indicated by the Interest Payment Dates.

 

  March 31, 2018   December 31, 2017   September 30, 2018   December 31, 2017 

Senior Notes

  Carrying
Value
   Fair
Value (a)
   Carrying
Value
   Fair
Value (a)
   Carrying
Value
   Fair
Value (a)
   Carrying
Value
   Fair
Value (a)
 

5.875%, Due 3/15/2021

  $398,620   $429,480   $398,514   $438,320   $398,836   $421,560   $398,514   $438,320 

4.750%, Due 2/15/2023

   394,389    422,080    394,137    434,200    394,903    414,520    394,137    434,200 

2.000%, Due 5/19/2025

   343,899    359,434    355,425    385,433 

1.000%, Due 10/5/2026

   687,022    659,200    709,871    711,440 

3.150%, Due 10/2/2027

   296,637    274,230    296,399    295,320 

6.250%, Due 8/15/2042

   238,069    314,100    238,019    328,200    238,170    286,750    238,019    328,200 

5.000%, Due 6/15/2044

   488,588    551,700    488,536    574,100    488,693    499,900    488,536    574,100 

4.450%, Due 7/15/2045

   343,953    358,610    343,925    372,575    344,009    321,720    343,925    372,575 

2.000%, Due 5/19/2025

   364,305    392,099    355,425    385,433 

1.000%, Due 10/5/2026

   727,645    720,657    709,871    711,440 

3.150%, Due 10/2/2027

   296,477    286,590    296,399    295,320 

4.000%, Due 10/2/2047

   290,031    286,710    289,989    296,940    290,119    261,330    289,989    296,940 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $3,542,077   $3,762,026   $3,514,815   $3,836,528   $3,482,288   $3,498,644   $3,514,815   $3,836,528 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

(a)

Fair value is determined by broker quote and these notes would be classified as Level II within the fair value hierarchy.

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

Included within Loans Payable and Due to Affiliates within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition are amounts due to holders of debt securities issued by Blackstone’s consolidated CLO vehicles. Borrowings through the consolidated CLO vehicles consisted of the following:

 

  March 31, 2018   December 31, 2017   September 30, 2018   December 31, 2017 
  Borrowing
Outstanding
   Weighted-
Average
Interest
Rate
 Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Maturity in
Years
   Borrowing
Outstanding
   Weighted-
Average
Interest
Rate
 Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Maturity in
Years
   Borrowing
Outstanding
   Weighted-
Average
Interest
Rate
 Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Maturity
in Years
   Borrowing
Outstanding
   Weighted-
Average
Interest
Rate
 Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Maturity
in Years
 

Senior Secured Notes

  $5,615,425    3.41  5.4   $10,689,240    2.35  4.1   $6,532,488    3.85  3.2   $10,689,240    2.35  4.1 

Subordinated Notes

   284,735    (a  N/A    894,367    (a)   N/A    331,735    (a  N/A    894,367    (a)   N/A 
  

 

      

 

      

 

      

 

    
  $5,900,160      $11,583,607      $6,864,223      $11,583,607    
  

 

      

 

      

 

      

 

    

 

(a)

The Subordinated Notes do not have contractual interest rates but instead receive distributions from the excess cash flows of the CLO vehicles.

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

Senior Secured Notes and Subordinated Notes comprise the following amounts:

 

  March 31, 2018   December 31, 2017   September 30, 2018   December 31, 2017 
  Fair Value   Amounts Due to Non-
Consolidated Affiliates
   Fair Value   Amounts Due to Non-
Consolidated Affiliates
   Fair Value   Amounts Due to Non-
Consolidated Affiliates
   Fair Value   Amounts Due to Non-
Consolidated Affiliates
 
  Borrowing
Outstanding
   Fair Value   Borrowing
Outstanding
   Fair Value   Borrowing
Outstanding
   Fair Value   Borrowing
Outstanding
   Fair Value 

Senior Secured Notes

  $5,615,419   $3,250   $3,269   $10,595,652   $1,000   $996   $6,524,248   $3,250   $3,273   $10,595,652   $1,000   $996 

Subordinated Notes

   215,554    111,659    65,334    743,554    53,400    40,390    223,882    111,659    65,259    743,554    53,400    40,390 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $5,830,973   $114,909   $68,603   $11,339,206   $54,400   $41,386   $6,748,130   $114,909   $68,532   $11,339,206   $54,400   $41,386 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

The Loans Payable of the consolidated CLO vehicles are collateralized by assets held by each respective CLO vehicle and assets of one vehicle may not be used to satisfy the liabilities of another. As of March 31,September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the fair value of the consolidated CLO assets was $6.8$7.4 billion and $13.4 billion, respectively. This collateral consisted of Cash, Corporate Loans, Corporate Bonds and other securities.

Scheduled principal payments for borrowings as of March 31,September 30, 2018 were as follows:

 

  Operating
Borrowings
   Blackstone Fund
Facilities/CLO
Vehicles
   Total
Borrowings
   Operating
Borrowings
   Blackstone Fund
Facilities/CLO
Vehicles
   Total
Borrowings
 

2018

  $—     $2,819   $2,819   $—     $—     $—   

2019

   —      —      —      —      —      —   

2020

   —      —      —      —      —      —   

2021

   400,000    —      400,000    400,000    —      400,000 

2022

   —      —      —      —      —      —   

Thereafter

   3,207,000    5,900,160    9,107,160    3,144,360    6,864,223    10,008,583 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $3,607,000   $5,902,979   $9,509,979   $3,544,360   $6,864,223   $10,408,583 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

13.

INCOME TAXES

Blackstone’s effective tax rate was 6.1%2.7% and 5.4%6.7% for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and 6.2% and 5.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

Blackstone’s income tax provision was $54.5$26.8 million and $57.4$59.5 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $220.0 million and $146.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

The Blackstone Group L.P. and certain of its subsidiaries operate in the U.S. as partnerships for income tax purposes (partnerships generally are not subject to federal income taxes) and generally as corporate entities innon-U.S. jurisdictions. Blackstone’s effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017 was substantially due to the fact that certain corporate subsidiaries are subject to federal, state, local and foreign income taxes (as applicable) and other subsidiaries are subject to New York City unincorporated business taxes.

 

14.

NET INCOME PER COMMON UNIT

Basic and diluted net income per common unit for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017 was calculated as follows:

  Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
  2018  2017  2018  2017 

Net Income for Per Common Unit Calculation

    

Net Income Attributable to The Blackstone Group L.P., Basic

 $442,742  $377,920  $1,552,656  $1,167,236 

Incremental Net Income from Assumed Exchange of Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units

  327,850   283,455   1,187,908   907,645 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Income Attributable to The Blackstone Group L.P., Diluted

 $770,592  $661,375  $2,740,564  $2,074,881 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Units Outstanding

    

Weighted-Average Common Units Outstanding, Basic

  682,435,177   667,384,727   679,598,629   664,331,632 

Weighted-Average Unvested Deferred Restricted Common Units

  230,759   663,474   215,270   823,877 

Weighted-Average Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units

  523,212,047   532,454,091   529,299,345   534,937,167 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Weighted-Average Common Units Outstanding, Diluted

  1,205,877,983   1,200,502,292   1,209,113,244   1,200,092,676 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Income Per Common Unit, Basic

 $0.65  $0.57  $2.28  $1.76 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Income Per Common Unit, Diluted

 $0.64  $0.55  $2.27  $1.73 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Distributions Declared Per Common Unit (a)

 $0.58  $0.54  $1.78  $1.88 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(a)

Distributions declared reflects the calendar date of the declaration for each distribution.

The Weighted-Average Common Units Outstanding, Basic includes vested deferred restricted common units that have been earned for which issuance of the related common units is deferred until future periods.

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

14.NET INCOME PER COMMON UNIT

Basic and dilutedThe Partnership applies the treasury stock method to determine the dilutive weighted-average common units outstanding. The Partnership applies the“if-converted” method to the Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units to determine the dilutive weighted-average common units represented by the Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units.

In computing the dilutive effect that the exchange of Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units would have on net income per common unit, for the three months ended March 31, 2018Partnership considered that net income available to holders of common units would increase due to the elimination ofnon-controlling interests in Blackstone Holdings, inclusive of any tax impact. Because the hypothetical conversion may result in a different tax rate, the Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units are considered anti-dilutive in certain periods and March 31, 2017 was calculated as follows:dilutive in other periods.

   Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   2018   2017 

Net Income for Per Common Unit Calculations

    

Net Income Attributable to The Blackstone Group L.P., Basic

  $367,872   $451,909 

Incremental Net Income from Assumed Exchange of Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units

   278,746    363,753 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income Attributable to The Blackstone Group L.P., Diluted

  $646,618   $815,662 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Units Outstanding

    

Weighted-Average Common Units Outstanding, Basic

   674,479,140    660,939,708 

Weighted-Average Unvested Deferred Restricted Common Units

   198,934    809,184 

Weighted-Average Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units

   535,895,780    537,758,091 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted-Average Common Units Outstanding, Diluted

   1,210,573,854    1,199,506,983 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income Per Common Unit, Basic

  $0.55   $0.68 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income Per Common Unit, Diluted

  $0.53   $0.68 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions Declared Per Common Unit (a)

  $0.85   $0.47 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(a)Distributions declared reflects the calendar date of the declaration for each distribution.

Unit Repurchase Program

In January 2008, Blackstone announced thatOn April 16, 2018, the Board of Directors of itsour general partner, Blackstone Group Management L.L.C., had authorized the repurchase by Blackstone of up to $500 million$1.0 billion of Blackstone common units and Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units.

During the three month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, no units were repurchased. As of March 31, 2018, the amount remaining available for repurchases under this program was $335.8 million.

On April 16, 2018 Blackstone announced that its Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $1.0 billion of common units and Blackstone Holdings partnership units, increasing the $335.8 million of repurchase authorization remaining under the prior authorization. Under the unit repurchase program, units may be repurchased from time to time in open market transactions, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. The timing and the actual number of units repurchased will depend on a variety of factors, including legal requirements, price and economic and market conditions. The unit repurchase program may be changed, suspended or discontinued at any time and does not have a specified expiration date.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, no units were repurchased. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, Blackstone repurchased 6.0 million and 8.2 million Blackstone common units, respectively, at a total cost of $218.4 million and $290.1 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2018, the amount remaining available for repurchases under this program was $709.9 million.

 

15.

EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION

The Partnership has granted equity-based compensation awards to Blackstone’s senior managing directors,non-partner professionals,non-professionals and selected external advisers under the Partnership’s 2007 Equity

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

Incentive Plan (the “Equity Plan”), the majority of which to date were granted in connection with Blackstone’s initial public offering (“IPO”). The Equity Plan allows for the granting of options, unit appreciation rights or other unit-based awards (units, restricted units, restricted common units, deferred restricted common units, phantom restricted common units or other unit-based awards based in whole or in part on the fair value of the Blackstone common units or Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units) which may contain certain service or performance requirements. As of January 1, 2018, the Partnership had the ability to grant 172,155,134 units under the Equity Plan.

For the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, and March 31, 2017, the Partnership recorded compensation expense of $92.2$73.7 million and $91.3$282.7 million, respectively, in relation to its equity-based awards with corresponding tax benefits of $14.5$11.7 million and $14.1$46.3 million, respectively.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Partnership recorded compensation expense of $83.0 million and $262.8 million, respectively, in relation to its equity-based awards with corresponding tax benefits of $16.9 million and $53.7 million, respectively. As of March 31,September 30, 2018, there was $944.6$743.6 million of estimated unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested awards. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 4.24.1 years.

Total vested and unvested outstanding units, including Blackstone common units, Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units and deferred restricted common units, were 1,205,550,0441,202,105,411 as of March 31,September 30, 2018. Total outstanding unvested phantom units were 44,85049,858 as of March 31,September 30, 2018.

A summary of the status of the Partnership’s unvested equity-based awards as of March 31, 2018 and of changes during the period January 1, 2018 through March 31, 2018 is presented below:

   Blackstone Holdings   The Blackstone Group L.P. 
          Equity Settled Awards   Cash Settled Awards 

Unvested Units

  Partnership
Units
  Weighted-
Average
Grant
Date Fair
Value
   Deferred
Restricted
Common
Units and
Options
  Weighted-
Average
Grant
Date Fair
Value
   Phantom
Units
  Weighted-
Average
Grant
Date Fair
Value
 

Balance, December 31, 2017

   30,023,189  $35.26    9,019,974  $30.03    44,196  $31.85 

Granted

   1,976,399   32.02    3,248,577   32.52    117   33.43 

Vested

   (2,091,413  36.64    (3,240,593  30.51    (151  32.99 

Forfeited

   —     —      (59,235  30.20    —     —   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

Balance, March 31, 2018

   29,908,175  $34.95    8,968,723  $30.74    44,162  $33.16 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

Units Expected to Vest

The following unvested units, after expected forfeitures, as of March 31, 2018, are expected to vest:

   Units   Weighted-Average
Service Period in
Years
 

Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units

   26,046,981    3.7 

Deferred Restricted Blackstone Common Units

   7,729,930    2.3 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Equity-Based Awards

   33,776,911    3.4 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Phantom Units

   36,235    2.7 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

A summary of the status of the Partnership’s unvested equity-based awards as of September 30, 2018 and of changes during the period January 1, 2018 through September 30, 2018 is presented below:

   Blackstone Holdings   The Blackstone Group L.P. 
          Equity Settled Awards   Cash Settled Awards 

Unvested Units

  Partnership
Units
  Weighted-
Average
Grant
Date Fair
Value
   Deferred
Restricted
Common
Units and
Options
  Weighted-
Average
Grant
Date Fair
Value
   Phantom
Units
  Weighted-
Average
Grant
Date Fair
Value
 

Balance, December 31, 2017

   30,023,189  $35.26    9,019,974  $30.03    44,196  $31.85 

Granted

   7,914,072   32.13    4,697,672   32.39    9,408   36.87 

Vested

   (7,074,035  34.76    (4,392,305  30.02    (5,858  36.25 

Forfeited

   (2,084,013  37.27    (339,954  30.74    —     —   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

Balance, September 30, 2018

   28,779,213  $34.39    8,985,387  $31.22    47,746  $36.70 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

  

Units Expected to Vest

The following unvested units, after expected forfeitures, as of September 30, 2018, are expected to vest:

   Units   Weighted-Average
Service Period in
Years
 

Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units

   24,889,558    3.6 

Deferred Restricted Blackstone Common Units

   7,628,833    2.4 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Equity-Based Awards

   32,518,391    3.3 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Phantom Units

   38,488    2.7 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

16.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Affiliate Receivables and Payables

Due from Affiliates and Due to Affiliates consisted of the following:

 

  March 31,
2018
   December 31,
2017
   September 30,
2018
   December 31,
2017
 

Due from Affiliates

        

Advances Made on Behalf of CertainNon-Controlling Interest Holders and Blackstone Employees Principally for Investments in Blackstone Funds

  $407,496   $410,877   $461,853   $410,877 

Amounts Due from Portfolio Companies and Funds

   389,233    587,955    522,048    587,955 

Management Fees and Performance Allocations Due fromNon-Consolidated Funds

   574,214    594,484    556,752    594,484 

Payments Made on Behalf ofNon-Consolidated Entities

   475,313    355,766    469,112    355,766 

Investments Redeemed inNon-Consolidated Funds of Hedge Funds

   5,027    77,943 

Accrual for Potential Clawback of Previously Distributed

   1,113    1,112 

Investments Redeemed inNon-Consolidated Funds

   6,397    77,943 

Accrual for Potential Clawback of Previously Distributed Performance Allocations

   1,475    1,112 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $1,852,396   $2,028,137   $2,017,637   $2,028,137 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

  March 31,
2018
   December 31,
2017
   September 30,
2018
   December 31,
2017
 

Due to Affiliates

        

Due to CertainNon-Controlling Interest Holders in Connection with the Tax Receivable Agreements

  $736,509   $715,734   $785,782   $715,734 

Distributions Received on Behalf of CertainNon-Controlling Interest Holders and Blackstone Employees

   52,464    87,829    39,803    87,829 

Distributions Received on Behalf of Blackstone Entities

   1,181    38,789    1,104    38,789 

Payments Made byNon-Consolidated Entities

   69,421    51,249    83,944    51,249 

Due to Note Holders of Consolidated CLO Vehicles

   68,603    41,386    68,532    41,386 

Accrual for Potential Repayment of Previously Received Performance Allocations

   2,172    2,171    2,815    2,171 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $930,350   $937,158   $981,980   $937,158 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Interests of the Founder, Senior Managing Directors, Employees and Other Related Parties

The Founder, senior managing directors, employees and certain other related parties invest on a discretionary basis in the consolidated Blackstone Funds both directly and through consolidated entities. These investments generally are subject to preferential management fee and performance allocation or incentive fee arrangements. As of March 31,September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, such investments aggregated $840.9$872.7 million and $813.2 million, respectively. Their share of the Net Income Attributable to RedeemableNon-Controlling andNon-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities aggregated $28.9$21.2 million and $30.6$32.6 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $87.1 million and $83.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Loans to Affiliates

Loans to affiliates consist of interest bearing advances to certain Blackstone individuals to finance their investments in certain Blackstone Funds. These loans earn interest at Blackstone’s cost of borrowing and such interest totaled $1.3 million and $0.2$1.1 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unitrespectively, and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

$3.8 million and $2.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Contingent Repayment Guarantee

Blackstone and its personnel who have received Performance Allocation distributions have guaranteed payment on a several basis (subject to a cap) to the carry funds of any clawback obligation with respect to the excess Performance Allocation allocated to the general partners of such funds and indirectly received thereby to the extent that either Blackstone or its personnel fails to fulfill its clawback obligation, if any. The Accrual for Potential Repayment of Previously Received Performance Allocations represents amounts previously paid to Blackstone Holdings andnon-controlling interest holders that would need to be repaid to the Blackstone Funds if the carry funds were to be liquidated based on the fair value of their underlying investments as of March 31,September 30, 2018. See Note 17. “Commitments and Contingencies — Contingencies — Contingent Obligations (Clawback)”.

Aircraft and Other Services

In the normal course of business, Blackstone personnel make use of aircraft owned as personal assets by Stephen A. Schwarzman; an aircraft owned jointly as a personal asset by Hamilton E. James, Blackstone’s

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

Executive Vice Chairman, and a Director of Blackstone, and another senior managing director; an aircraft owned as a personal asset by Jonathan D. Gray, Blackstone’s President and Chief Operating Officer and a Director of Blackstone; and an aircraft owned jointly as a personal asset by Bennett J. Goodman,Co-Founder of GSO Capital and a Director of Blackstone, and another senior managing director (each such aircraft, “Personal Aircraft”). Mr. Schwarzman paid for his purchases of his Personal Aircraft himself. Mr. James paid for his interest in his jointly owned Personal Aircraft. Mr. Goodman paid for his interest in his jointly owned Personal Aircraft. Mr. Gray paid for his purchase of his Personal Aircraft himself. Mr. Schwarzman, Mr. James, Mr. Goodman and Mr. Gray respectively bear operating, personnel and maintenance costs associated with the operation of such Personal Aircraft. Payment by Blackstone for the use of the Personal Aircraft by Blackstone employees is made based on market rates.

In addition, on occasion, certain of Blackstone’s executive officers and employee directors and their families may make personal use of aircraft in which Blackstone owns a fractional interest, as well as other assets of Blackstone. Any such personal use of Blackstone assets is charged to the executive officer or employee director based on market rates and usage. Personal use of Blackstone resources is also reimbursed to Blackstone based on market rates.

The transactions described herein are not material to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Tax Receivable Agreements

Blackstone used a portion of the proceeds from the IPO and the sale ofnon-voting common units to Beijing Wonderful Investments to purchase interests in the predecessor businesses from the predecessor owners. In addition, holders of Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units may exchange their Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units for Blackstone common units on aone-for-one basis. The purchase and subsequent exchanges are expected to result in increases in the tax basis of the tangible and intangible assets of Blackstone Holdings and therefore reduce the amount of tax that Blackstone’s wholly owned subsidiaries would otherwise be required to pay in the future.

One of the subsidiaries of the Partnership which is a corporate taxpayer has entered into tax receivable agreements with each of the predecessor owners and additional tax receivable agreements have been executed, and will continue to be executed, with newly-admitted senior managing directors and others who acquire Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units. The agreements provide for the payment by the corporate taxpayer to such owners of 85% of the amount of cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state and local income tax that the corporate taxpayers

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

actually realize as a result of the aforementioned increases in tax basis and of certain other tax benefits related to entering into these tax receivable agreements. For purposes of the tax receivable agreements, cash savings in income tax will be computed by comparing the actual income tax liability of the corporate taxpayers to the amount of such taxes that the corporate taxpayers would have been required to pay had there been no increase to the tax basis of the tangible and intangible assets of Blackstone Holdings as a result of the exchanges and had the corporate taxpayers not entered into the tax receivable agreements.

Assuming no future material changes in the relevant tax law and that the corporate taxpayers earn sufficient taxable income to realize the full tax benefit of the increased amortization of the assets, the expected future payments under the tax receivable agreements (which are taxable to the recipients) will aggregate $736.5$785.8 million over the next 15 years. Theafter-tax net present value of these estimated payments totals $265.3$296.9 million assuming a 15% discount rate and using Blackstone’s most recent projections relating to the estimated timing of the benefit to be received. Future payments under the tax receivable agreements in respect of subsequent exchanges would be in addition to these amounts. The payments under the tax receivable agreements are not conditioned upon continued ownership of Blackstone equity interests by thepre-IPO owners and the others mentioned above.

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

Amounts related to the deferred tax asset resulting from the increase in tax basis from the exchange of Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units to Blackstone common units, the resulting remeasurement of net deferred tax assets at the Blackstone ownership percentage at the balance sheet date, the due to affiliates for the future payments resulting from the tax receivable agreements and resulting adjustment to partners’ capital are included as Acquisition of Ownership Interests fromNon-Controlling Interest Holders in the Supplemental Disclosure ofNon-Cash Investing and Financing Activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Other

Blackstone does business with and on behalf of some of its Portfolio Companies; all such arrangements are on a negotiated basis.

Additionally, please see Note 17. “Commitments and Contingencies — Contingencies — Guarantees” for information regarding guarantees provided to a lending institution for certain loans held by employees.

 

17.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Commitments

Investment Commitments

Blackstone had $2.3$2.5 billion of investment commitments as of March 31,September 30, 2018 representing general partner capital funding commitments to the Blackstone Funds, limited partner capital funding to other funds and Blackstone principal investment commitments. The consolidated Blackstone Funds had signed investment commitments of $397.3$564.1 million as of March 31,September 30, 2018 which includes $52.3$121.7 million of signed investment commitments for portfolio company acquisitions in the process of closing.

Contingencies

Guarantees

Certain of Blackstone’s consolidated real estate funds guarantee payments to third parties in connection with theon-going business activities and/or acquisitions of their Portfolio Companies. There is no direct recourse to the

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

Partnership to fulfill such obligations. To the extent that underlying funds are required to fulfill guarantee obligations, the Partnership’s invested capital in such funds is at risk. Total investments at risk in respect of guarantees extended by consolidated real estate funds was $12.4$34.1 million as of March 31,September 30, 2018.

The Blackstone Holdings Partnerships provided guarantees to a lending institution for certain loans held by employees either for investment in Blackstone Funds or for members’ capital contributions to Blackstone Group International Partners LLP. The amount guaranteed as of March 31,September 30, 2018 was $178.4$191.8 million.

Litigation

From time to time, Blackstone is named as a defendant in legal actions relating to transactions conducted in the ordinary course of business. Although there can be no assurance of the outcome of such legal actions, in the opinion of management, Blackstone does not have a potential liability related to any current legal proceeding or claim that would individually or in the aggregate materially affect its results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

Contingent Obligations (Clawback)

Performance Allocations are subject to clawback to the extent that the Performance Allocations received to date with respect to a fund exceeds the amount due to Blackstone based on cumulative results of that fund. The actual clawback liability, however, generally does not become realized until the end of a fund’s life except for certain Blackstone real estate funds, multi-asset class investment funds and credit-focused funds, which may have an interim clawback liability. The lives of the carry funds, including available contemplated extensions, for which a liability for potential clawback obligations has been recorded for financial reporting purposes, are currently anticipated to expire at various points through 2028. Further extensions of such terms may be implemented under given circumstances.

For financial reporting purposes, when applicable, the general partners record a liability for potential clawback obligations to the limited partners of some of the carry funds due to changes in the unrealized value of a fund’s remaining investments and where the fund’s general partner has previously received Performance Allocation distributions with respect to such fund’s realized investments.

The following table presents the clawback obligations by segment:

 

  March 31, 2018   December 31, 2017   September 30, 2018   December 31, 2017 

Segment

  Blackstone
Holdings
   Current and
Former Personnel
   Total   Blackstone
Holdings
   Current and
Former Personnel
   Total   Blackstone
Holdings
   Current and
Former Personnel
   Total   Blackstone
Holdings
   Current and
Former Personnel
   Total 

Credit

  $1,059   $1,113   $2,172   $1,059   $1,112   $2,171   $1,340   $1,475   $2,815   $1,059   $1,112   $2,171 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

For Private Equity, Real Estate, and certain Credit Funds, a portion of the Performance Allocations paid to current and former Blackstone personnel is held in segregated accounts in the event of a cash clawback obligation. These segregated accounts are not included in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of the Partnership, except to the extent a portion of the assets held in the segregated accounts may be allocated to a consolidated Blackstone fund of hedge funds. At March 31,September 30, 2018, $669.3$712.4 million was held in segregated accounts for the purpose of meeting any clawback obligations of current and former personnel if such payments are required.

In the Credit segment, payment of Performance Allocations to the Partnership by the majority of the stressed/distressed, mezzanine and credit alpha strategies funds is substantially deferred under the terms of the partnership

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

agreements. This deferral mitigates the need to hold funds in segregated accounts in the event of a cash clawback obligation.

If, at March 31,September 30, 2018, all of the investments held by our carry funds were deemed worthless, a possibility that management views as remote, the amount of Performance Allocations subject to potential clawback would be $6.5$6.9 billion, on anafter-tax basis where applicable, of which Blackstone Holdings is potentially liable for $5.9$6.3 billion if current and former Blackstone personnel default on their share of the liability, a possibility that management also views as remote.

 

18.

SEGMENT REPORTING

Blackstone transacts its primary business in the United States and substantially all of its revenues are generated domestically.

Blackstone conducts its alternative asset management businesses through four segments:

 

Private Equity — Blackstone’s Private Equity segment primarily comprises its management of flagship corporate private equity funds,sector-focused corporate private equity funds, includingenergy-focused funds, a core private equity fund, an opportunistic investment platform, a secondary private equity fund of funds business, a multi-asset investment program for eligible high net worth investors

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and a capital markets services business.Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

funds, a core private equity fund, an opportunistic investment platform, a secondary private equity fund of funds business, a multi-asset investment program for eligible high net worth investors and a capital markets services business.

 

Real Estate — Blackstone’s Real Estate segment primarily comprises its management of global, European-focused and Asian-focused opportunistic real estate funds, high yield real estate debt funds, liquid real estate debt funds, core+ real estate funds, a NYSE-listed REIT and anon-exchange traded REIT.

 

Hedge Fund Solutions — Blackstone’s Hedge Fund Solutions segment is comprised principally of Blackstone Alternative Asset Management, (“BAAM”), which manages a broad range of commingled and customized hedge fund of fund solutions and also includes investment platforms that seed new hedge fund businesses, purchase minority ownership interests in more established hedge funds, invest in special situation opportunities, create alternative solutions in regulated structures and trade directly.

 

Credit — Blackstone’s Credit segment consists principally of GSO Capital Partners LP, (“GSO”), which is organized into performing credit strategies (which include mezzanine lending funds, middle market direct lending funds and other performing credit strategies), distressed strategies (which include credit alpha strategies, stressed/distressed funds and energy strategies), long only strategies (which consist of CLOs, closed end funds, commingled funds and separately managed accounts), Harvest (which invests in publicly traded master limited partnerships holding primarily midstream energy assets in the U.S.), and Blackstone Insurance Solutions (which partners with insurers to deliver customizable and diversified portfolios of Blackstone products across asset classes, as well as the option for full management of insurance companies’ investment portfolios).

These business segments are differentiated by their various sources of income. The Private Equity, Real Estate, Hedge Fund Solutions and Credit segments primarily earn their income from management fees and investment returns on assets under management.

Blackstone uses Economic Income as a key measure of value creation, a benchmark of its performance and in making resource deployment and compensation decisions across its four segments. Economic Income represents segment net income before taxes excluding transaction-related charges. Transaction-related chargespresents revenues and expenses on a basis that deconsolidates the investment funds Blackstone manages, and excludes the amortization of intangibles and other activity referred to as “Transaction-Related Charges”. Transaction-Related Charges arise from Blackstone’s IPO and certain long-term retention programs outside of annual deferred compensation and other

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

corporate actions including acquisitions. Transaction-related charges include certainacquisitions, divestitures and Blackstone’s initial public offering. They consist primarily of equity-based compensation charges, the amortization of intangible assetsgains and losses on contingent consideration arrangements, changes in the balance of the tax receivable agreement resulting from a change in tax law or similar event, transaction costs and any gains or losses associated with acquisitions.these corporate actions. For segment reporting purposes, Performance Allocations and Incentive Fees are presented together and referred to collectively as Performance Revenues.Revenues or Performance Compensation.

Senior management makes operating decisions and assesses the performance of each of Blackstone’s business segments based on financial and operating metrics and data that is presented without the consolidation of any of the Blackstone Funds that are consolidated into the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Consequently, all segment data excludes the assets, liabilities and operating results related to the Blackstone Funds.

The following table presents the financial data for Blackstone’s four segments as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.

  March 31, 2018 and the Three Months Then Ended 
  Private
Equity
  Real
Estate
  Hedge Fund
Solutions
  Credit  Total
Segments
 

Revenues

     

Management and Advisory Fees, Net

     

Base Management Fees

 $182,961  $226,526  $129,228  $168,441  $707,156 

Transaction, Advisory and Other Fees, Net

  11,094   23,088   345   2,539   37,066 

Management Fee Offsets

  (3,193  (1,668  —     (3,317  (8,178
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Management and Advisory Fees, Net

  190,862   247,946   129,573   167,663   736,044 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Performance Revenues

     

Realized Incentive Fees

  —     4,375   8,171   20   12,566 

Realized Performance Allocations

  77,123   151,309   2,006   39,204   269,642 

Unrealized Performance Allocations

  397,316   226,442   5,061   (480  628,339 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Performance Revenues

  474,439   382,126   15,238   38,744   910,547 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Principal Investment Income (Loss)

     

Realized

  6,338   14,690   640   7,025   28,693 

Unrealized

  17,368   2,687   440   (6,517  13,978 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Principal Investment Income

  23,706   17,377   1,080   508   42,671 

Interest and Dividend Revenue

  8,543   15,128   4,812   7,902   36,385 

Other

  (16,408  (21,497  (10,288  (12,701  (60,894
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Revenues

  681,142   641,080   140,415   202,116   1,664,753 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Expenses

     

Compensation

  99,729��  112,824   50,300   73,474   336,327 

Performance Compensation

     

Realized Incentive Fees

  —     2,210   4,034   418   6,662 

Realized Performance Allocations

  33,045   54,183   2,415   22,419   112,062 

Unrealized Performance Allocations

  178,802   79,170   2,186   (5,723  254,435 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Compensation and Benefits

  311,576   248,387   58,935   90,588   709,486 

Interest Expense

  10,133   14,149   6,271   7,685   38,238 

Other Operating Expenses

  31,151   29,417   18,785   27,739   107,092 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Expenses

  352,860   291,953   83,991   126,012   854,816 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Economic Income

 $328,282  $349,127  $56,424  $76,104  $809,937 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Segment Assets

 $6,579,983  $7,569,600  $2,092,808  $3,777,269  $20,019,660 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

   Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 
   Private
Equity
  Real Estate  Hedge Fund
Solutions
  Credit  Total
Segments
 

Revenues

      

Management and Advisory Fees, Net

      

Base Management Fees

  $176,706  $197,879  $128,468  $139,905  $642,958 

Transaction, Advisory and Other Fees, Net

   16,176   21,279   259   2,508   40,222 

Management Fee Offsets

   (12,190  (3,550  —     (17,859  (33,599
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Management and Advisory Fees, Net

   180,692   215,608   128,727   124,554   649,581 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Performance Revenues

      

Realized Incentive Fees

   —     2,882   14,087   29,542   46,511 

Realized Performance Allocations

   582,681   519,873   597   8,797   1,111,948 

Unrealized Performance Allocations

   (184,478  (8,046  18,815   49,631   (124,078
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Performance Revenues

   398,203   514,709   33,499   87,970   1,034,381 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Principal Investment Income (Loss)

      

Realized

   81,294   119,579   (632  2,653   202,894 

Unrealized

   (40,522  (83,853  18,293   7,147   (98,935
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Principal Investment Income

   40,772   35,726   17,661   9,800   103,959 

Interest and Dividend Revenue

   6,661   12,094   3,997   5,744   28,496 

Other

   (1,800  (3,150  (1,610  (1,727  (8,287
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Revenues

   624,528   774,987   182,274   226,341   1,808,130 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Expenses

      

Compensation

   83,603   102,702   47,604   55,118   289,027 

Performance Compensation

      

Realized Incentive Fees

   —     1,333   7,014   14,118   22,465 

Realized Performance Allocations

   181,633   179,956   303   4,586   366,478 

Unrealized Performance Allocations

   (39,356  17,792   6,422   22,675   7,533 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Compensation and Benefits

   225,880   301,783   61,343   96,497   685,503 

Interest Expense

   10,427   14,635   6,543   7,845   39,450 

Other Operating Expenses

   27,761   30,864   16,379   21,458   96,462 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Expenses

   264,068   347,282   84,265   125,800   821,415 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Economic Income

  $360,460  $427,705  $98,009  $100,541  $986,715 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The following table reconciles the Total Segments to Blackstone’s Income Before Provision for Taxes and Total Assets as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017:

   Three Months Ended March 31, 2018   Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 
   Total
Segments
   Consolidation
Adjustments
and Reconciling
Items
   Blackstone
Consolidated
   Total
Segments
   Consolidation
Adjustments
and Reconciling
Items
   Blackstone
Consolidated
 

Revenues

  $1,664,753   $104,378(a)   $1,769,131   $1,808,130   $106,588(a)   $1,914,718 

Expenses

  $854,816   $128,115(b)   $982,931   $821,415   $100,358(b)   $921,773 

Other Income

  $—     $110,599(c)   $110,599   $—     $66,132(c)   $66,132 

Economic Income

  $809,937   $86,862(d)   $896,799   $986,715   $72,362(d)   $1,059,077 

Total Assets

  $20,019,660   $7,913,715(e)   $27,933,375       

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

The following tables presents the financial data for Blackstone’s four segments for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:

  Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 
  Private
Equity
  Real
Estate
  Hedge Fund
Solutions
  Credit  Total
Segments
 

Revenues

     

Management and Advisory Fees, Net

     

Base Management Fees

 $205,893  $254,088  $129,554  $132,071  $721,606 

Transaction, Advisory and Other Fees, Net

  21,709   45,678   766   5,791   73,944 

Management Fee Offsets

  (4,973  (8,265  —     (3,093  (16,331
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Management and Advisory Fees, Net

  222,629   291,501   130,320   134,769   779,219 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Performance Revenues

     

Realized Incentive Fees

  —     5,898   3,847   55   9,800 

Realized Performance Allocations

  290,012   297,710   138   4,798   592,658 

Unrealized Performance Allocations

  242,613   31,877   13,171   11,270   298,931 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Performance Revenues

  532,625   335,485   17,156   16,123   901,389 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Principal Investment Income

     

Realized

  44,408   16,197   2,024   2,991   65,620 

Unrealized

  19,140   269   8,474   821   28,704 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Principal Investment Income

  63,548   16,466   10,498   3,812   94,324 

Interest and Dividend Revenue

  13,258   18,556   6,672   11,450   49,936 

Other

  3,252   4,190   (639  2,289   9,092 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Revenues

  835,312   666,198   164,007   168,443   1,833,960 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Expenses

     

Compensation

  117,031   124,475   50,213   62,482   354,201 

Performance Compensation

     

Realized Incentive Fees

  —     3,289   3,284   678   7,251 

Realized Performance Allocations

  106,401   89,879   1,314   2,848   200,442 

Unrealized Performance Allocations

  119,135   48,898   4,142   6,009   178,184 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Compensation and Benefits

  342,567   266,541   58,953   72,017   740,078 

Interest Expense

  12,139   13,584   6,459   8,741   40,923 

Other Operating Expenses

  36,654   39,787   20,753   31,551   128,745 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Expenses

  391,360   319,912   86,165   112,309   909,746 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Economic Income

 $443,952  $346,286  $77,842  $56,134  $924,214 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

   Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 
   Private
Equity
  Real
Estate
  Hedge Fund
Solutions
  Credit  Total
Segments
 

Revenues

      

Management and Advisory Fees, Net

      

Base Management Fees

  $182,764  $224,048  $129,410  $133,680  $669,902 

Transaction, Advisory and Other Fees, Net

   8,748   20,616   48   2,883   32,295 

Management Fee Offsets

   (1,088  (4,232  (28  (4,867  (10,215
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Management and Advisory Fees, Net

   190,424   240,432   129,430   131,696   691,982 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Performance Revenues

      

Realized Incentive Fees

   —     3,778   12,186   19,549   35,513 

Realized Performance Allocations

   101,918   307,932   2,031   23,113   434,994 

Unrealized Performance Allocations

   80,326   273,731   10,327   43,041   407,425 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Performance Revenues

   182,244   585,441   24,544   85,703   877,932 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Principal Investment Income (Loss)

      

Realized

   7,077   44,449   1,316   7,346   60,188 

Unrealized

   17,300   (8,319  12,723   (4,320  17,384 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Principal Investment Income

   24,377   36,130   14,039   3,026   77,572 

Interest and Dividend Revenue

   9,046   15,461   5,316   8,062   37,885 

Other

   (8,346  (13,108  (5,859  (6,831  (34,144
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Revenues

   397,745   864,356   167,470   221,656   1,651,227 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Expenses

      

Compensation

   96,166   105,753   44,347   56,532   302,798 

Performance Compensation

      

Realized Incentive Fees

   —     1,967   5,862   10,503   18,332 

Realized Performance Allocations

   48,019   104,112   1,022   9,352   162,505 

Unrealized Performance Allocations

   45,484   105,640   3,541   20,869   175,534 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Compensation and Benefits

   189,669   317,472   54,772   97,256   659,169 

Interest Expense

   10,804   15,028   6,763   8,154   40,749 

Other Operating Expenses

   32,166   33,256   17,958   23,237   106,617 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Expenses

   232,639   365,756   79,493   128,647   806,535 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Economic Income

  $165,106  $498,600  $87,977  $93,009  $844,692 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

The following table reconciles the Total Segments to Blackstone’s Income Before Provision for Taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:

   Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 
   Revenues   Expenses   Other
Income
   Economic
Income /
Income
Before
Provision for
Taxes (a)
 

Total Segments

  $1,833,960   $909,746   $—     $924,214 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjustments

        

Impact of Consolidation (b)

   92,092    13,260    66,838    145,670 

Amortization of Intangibles (c)

   (387   14,469    —      (14,856

Intersegment Eliminations

   (1,253   (1,253   —      —   

Transaction-Related Charges (d)

   2,168    81,410    —      (79,242
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Adjustments

   92,620    107,886    66,838    51,572 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Blackstone Consolidated

  $1,926,580   $1,017,632   $66,838   $975,786 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 
   Revenues   Expenses   Other
Income
   Economic
Income /
Income
Before
Provision for
Taxes (a)
 

Total Segments

  $1,651,227   $806,535   $—     $844,692 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjustments

        

Impact of Consolidation (b)

   84,928    31,715    63,448    116,661 

Amortization of Intangibles (c)

   (387   10,957    —      (11,344

Intersegment Eliminations

   (1,877   (1,877   —      —   

Transaction-Related Charges (d)

   1,467    57,181    —      (55,714
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Adjustments

   84,131    97,976    63,448    49,603 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Blackstone Consolidated

  $1,735,358   $904,511   $63,448   $894,295 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)The Revenues adjustment represents management fees and performance revenues earned from

Represents Total Segments Economic Income reconciled to Blackstone Funds that were eliminated in consolidation to arrive at Blackstone consolidated revenues andnon-segment related InvestmentConsolidated Income (Loss), which is included in Blackstone consolidated revenues.Before Provision for Taxes.

(b)

The ExpensesImpact of Consolidation adjustment represents the additioneffect of expenses of the consolidatedconsolidating Blackstone Funds, the elimination of Blackstone’s interest in these funds, the increase to revenue representing the reimbursement of certain expenses by Blackstone unconsolidated expenses, amortizationFunds, which are presented gross under GAAP but netted against Other Operating Expenses in the segment presentation, and the removal of intangibles and expenses related to transaction-related equity-based compensation.amounts associated with the ownership of Blackstone consolidated operating partnerships held bynon-controlling interests.

(c)The Other Income adjustment results

Amortization of intangibles consists of the amortization of transaction-related intangibles including intangibles associated with Blackstone’s investment in Pátria, which is accounted for under the equity method.

(d)

Transaction-Related Charges arise from corporate actions including acquisitions, divestitures, and Blackstone’s initial public offering. They consist primarily of equity-based compensation charges, gains and losses on contingent consideration arrangements, changes in the following:balance of the tax receivable agreement resulting from a change in tax law or similar event, transaction costs and any gains or losses associated with these corporate actions.

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

   Three Months Ended March 31, 
           2018                   2017         

Fund Management Fees and Performance Revenues Eliminated in Consolidation and Transactional Investment Loss

  $(100,203  $(102,701

Fund Expenses Added in Consolidation

   54,985    24,872 

Income Associated withNon-Controlling Interests of Consolidated Entities

   154,224    140,685 

Transaction-Related Other Income

   1,593    3,276 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Consolidation Adjustments and Reconciling Items

  $110,599   $66,132 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following tables present the financial data for Blackstone’s four segments as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:

  September 30, 2018 and the Nine Months Then Ended 
  Private
Equity
  Real Estate  Hedge Fund
Solutions
  Credit  Total
Segments
 

Revenues

     

Management and Advisory Fees, Net

     

Base Management Fees

 $584,375  $730,294  $388,335  $418,673  $2,121,677 

Transaction, Advisory and Other Fees, Net

  45,583   92,625   1,923   11,791   151,922 

Management Fee Offsets

  (12,517  (13,718  —     (9,107  (35,342
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Management and Advisory Fees, Net

  617,441   809,201   390,258   421,357   2,238,257 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Performance Revenues

     

Realized Incentive Fees

  —     21,667   18,905   1,298   41,870 

Realized Performance Allocations

  505,306   800,649   2,527   57,373   1,365,855 

Unrealized Performance Allocations

  1,138,203   97,741   28,162   103,588   1,367,694 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Performance Revenues

  1,643,509   920,057   49,594   162,259   2,775,419 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Principal Investment Income (Loss)

     

Realized

  83,346   81,086   10,430   14,098   188,960 

Unrealized

  120,755   (25,088  4,073   (4,932  94,808 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Principal Investment Income

  204,101   55,998   14,503   9,166   283,768 

Interest and Dividend Revenue

  33,350   48,178   16,636   29,884   128,048 

Other

  13,511   13,150   6,692   9,261   42,614 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Revenues

  2,511,912   1,846,584   477,683   631,927   5,468,106 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Expenses

     

Compensation

  320,558   346,898   148,599   191,863   1,007,918 

Performance Compensation

     

Realized Incentive Fees

  —     11,319   11,473   864   23,656 

Realized Performance Allocations

  207,959   253,295   4,666   32,982   498,902 

Unrealized Performance Allocations

  491,684   76,698   9,100   45,128   622,610 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Compensation and Benefits

  1,020,201   688,210   173,838   270,837   2,153,086 

Interest Expense

  35,045   39,122   18,630   25,249   118,046 

Other Operating Expenses

  103,852   105,230   58,032   91,189   358,303 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Expenses

  1,159,098   832,562   250,500   387,275   2,629,435 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Economic Income

 $1,352,814  $1,014,022  $227,183  $244,652  $2,838,671 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Segment Assets

 $8,152,986  $7,572,396  $2,216,436  $4,014,282  $21,956,100 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 
  Private
Equity
  Real Estate  Hedge Fund
Solutions
  Credit  Total
Segments
 

Revenues

     

Management and Advisory Fees, Net

     

Base Management Fees

 $537,154  $649,792  $386,576  $410,706  $1,984,228 

Transaction, Advisory and Other Fees, Net

  42,213   57,982   2,003   9,211   111,409 

Management Fee Offsets

  (17,031  (12,800  (28  (27,379  (57,238
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Management and Advisory Fees, Net

  562,336   694,974   388,551   392,538   2,038,399 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Performance Revenues

     

Realized Incentive Fees

  —     11,538   32,821   77,968   122,327 

Realized Performance Allocations

  882,767   1,217,246   3,075   46,950   2,150,038 

Unrealized Performance Allocations

  (104,143  355,373   43,991   83,833   379,054 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Performance Revenues

  778,624   1,584,157   79,887   208,751   2,651,419 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Principal Investment Income (Loss)

     

Realized

  129,539   221,627   909   11,894   363,969 

Unrealized

  (49,114  (112,691  42,594   4,493   (114,718
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Principal Investment Income

  80,425   108,936   43,503   16,387   249,251 

Interest and Dividend Revenue

  23,629   42,048   13,987   20,420   100,084 

Other

  (26,270  (39,223  (18,189  (21,218  (104,900
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Revenues

  1,418,744   2,390,892   507,739   616,878   4,934,253 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Expenses

     

Compensation

  270,445   318,721   139,312   168,604   897,082 

Performance Compensation

     

Realized Incentive Fees

  —     6,011   16,973   38,845   61,829 

Realized Performance Allocations

  292,712   408,580   1,590   21,839   724,721 

Unrealized Performance Allocations

  28,347   187,686   15,931   38,013   269,977 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Compensation and Benefits

  591,504   920,998   173,806   267,301   1,953,609 

Interest Expense

  31,959   44,450   19,994   24,090   120,493 

Other Operating Expenses

  88,519   97,499   50,655   72,244   308,917 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Expenses

  711,982   1,062,947   244,455   363,635   2,383,019 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Economic Income

 $706,762  $1,327,945  $263,284  $253,243  $2,551,234 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

The following table reconciles the Total Segments to Blackstone’s Income Before Provision for Taxes and Total Assets as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:

   September 30, 2018 and the Nine Months Then Ended 
   Revenues  Expenses  Other
Income
   Economic
Income /
Income
Before
Provision for
Taxes (a)
  Total
Assets
 

Total Segments

  $5,468,106  $2,629,435  $—     $2,838,671  $21,956,100 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Adjustments

       

Impact of Consolidation (b)

   278,368   99,447   250,956    429,877   8,504,257 

Amortization of Intangibles (c)

   (1,161  43,441   —      (44,602  —   

Intersegment Eliminations

   (3,887  (3,887  —      —     —   

Transaction-Related Charges (d)

   586,855   248,508   —      338,347   —   
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Adjustments

   860,175   387,509   250,956    723,622   8,504,257 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Blackstone Consolidated

  $6,328,281  $3,016,944  $250,956   $3,562,293  $30,460,357 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

   Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 
   Revenues  Expenses  Other
Income
   Economic
Income /
Income
Before
Provision for
Taxes (a)
 

Total Segments

  $4,934,253  $2,383,019  $—     $2,551,234 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjustments

      

Impact of Consolidation (b)

   244,070   112,423   239,634    371,281 

Amortization of Intangibles (c)

   (1,161  32,871   —      (34,032

Intersegment Eliminations

   (4,944  (4,944  —      —   

Transaction-Related Charges (d)

   13,584   184,108   —      (170,524
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Adjustments

   251,549   324,458   239,634    166,725 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Blackstone Consolidated

  $5,185,802  $2,707,477  $239,634   $2,717,959 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(d)(a)The reconciliation of

Represents Total Segments Economic Income reconciled to Blackstone Consolidated Income Before Provision for Taxes as reportedTaxes.

(b)

The Impact of Consolidation adjustment represents the effect of consolidating Blackstone Funds, the elimination of Blackstone’s interest in these funds, the increase to revenue representing the reimbursement of certain expenses by Blackstone Funds, which are presented gross under GAAP but netted against Other Operating Expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statementssegment presentation, and the removal of Operationsamounts associated with the ownership of Blackstone consolidated operating partnerships held bynon-controlling interests.

(c)

Amortization of intangibles consists of the following:amortization of transaction-related intangibles including intangibles associated with Blackstone’s investment in Pátria, which is accounted for under the equity method.

(d)

Transaction-Related Charges arise from corporate actions including acquisitions, divestitures, and Blackstone’s initial public offering. They consist primarily of equity-based compensation charges, gains and losses on contingent consideration arrangements, changes in the balance of the tax receivable agreement resulting from a change in tax law or similar event, transaction costs and any gains or losses associated with these corporate

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

   Three Months Ended March 31, 
           2018                   2017         

Economic Income

  $809,937   $986,715 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjustments

    

Amortization of Intangibles

   (14,873   (11,344

Transaction-Related Charges

   (52,489   (56,979

Income Associated withNon-Controlling Interests of Consolidated Entities

   154,224    140,685 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Consolidation Adjustments and Reconciling Items

   86,862    72,362 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income Before Provision for Taxes

  $896,799   $1,059,077 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Continued

(All Dollars Are in Thousands, Except Unit and Per Unit Data, Except Where Noted)

 

(e)The Total Assets adjustment representsactions. During the additionnine months ended September 30, 2018,Transaction-Related Charges include $580.9 million of assetsOther Revenues received upon the conclusion of the consolidated Blackstone Funds to the Blackstone unconsolidated assets to arrive at Blackstone consolidated assets.Blackstone’s investmentsub-advisory relationship with FS Investments’ funds.

 

19.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On April 9,There have been no events since September 30, 2018 Blackstone concluded its investmentsub-advisory relationship with FS Investments’ funds, as previously announced. As part of the transaction, Blackstone received proceeds from FS Investments of $580.9 million which will be recorded as Revenues withinthat require recognition or disclosure in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three months ending June 30, 2018.Financial Statements.

ITEM 1A.

UNAUDITED SUPPLEMENTAL PRESENTATION OF STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Unaudited Consolidating Statements of Financial Condition

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

  March 31, 2018   September 30, 2018 
  Consolidated
Operating
Partnerships
 Consolidated
Blackstone
Funds (a)
   Reclasses and
Eliminations
 Consolidated   Consolidated
Operating
Partnerships
 Consolidated
Blackstone
Funds (a)
   Reclasses and
Eliminations
 Consolidated 

Assets

            

Cash and Cash Equivalents

  $1,746,948  $—     $—    $1,746,948   $1,937,963  $—     $—    $1,937,963 

Cash Held by Blackstone Funds and Other

   —     703,182    —     703,182    —     408,561    —     408,561 

Investments

   12,815,795   7,557,321    (609,553  19,763,563    14,263,255   8,503,423    (671,758  22,094,920 

Accounts Receivable

   442,316   296,596    —     738,912    601,405   274,242    —     875,647 

Due from Affiliates

   1,891,073   8,050    (46,727  1,852,396    2,033,401   9,891    (25,655  2,017,637 

Intangible Assets, Net

   395,336   —      —     395,336    366,368   —      —     366,368 

Goodwill

   1,778,192   —      —     1,778,192    1,778,192   —      —     1,778,192 

Other Assets

   231,560   4,846    —     236,406    263,917   5,553    —     269,470 

Deferred Tax Assets

   718,440   —      —     718,440    711,599   —      —     711,599 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total Assets

  $20,019,660  $8,569,995   $(656,280 $27,933,375   $21,956,100  $9,201,670   $(697,413 $30,460,357 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Liabilities and Partners’ Capital

            

Loans Payable

  $3,542,077  $5,765,189   $—    $9,307,266   $3,482,288  $6,679,598   $—    $10,161,886 

Due to Affiliates

   810,399   485,580    (365,629  930,350    860,487   524,325    (402,832  981,980 

Accrued Compensation and Benefits

   2,608,743   —      —     2,608,743    3,414,215   —      —     3,414,215 

Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased

   69,079   98,378    —     167,457    48,104   118,205    —     166,309 

Repurchase Agreements

   —     142,519    —     142,519    —     199,488    —     199,488 

Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities

   555,439   696,792    —     1,252,231    563,879   265,617    —     829,496 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total Liabilities

   7,585,737   7,188,458    (365,629  14,408,566    8,368,973   7,787,233    (402,832  15,753,374 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

RedeemableNon-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

   22,511   186,499    —     209,010    22,070   131,434    —     153,504 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Partners’ Capital

            

Partners’ Capital

   6,541,409   290,651    (290,651  6,541,409    7,024,079   294,581    (294,581  7,024,079 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

   (27,203  —      —     (27,203   (36,562  —      —     (36,562

Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

   2,429,567   904,387    —     3,333,954    2,684,713   988,422    —     3,673,135 

Non-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings

   3,467,639   —      —     3,467,639    3,892,827   —      —     3,892,827 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total Partners’ Capital

   12,411,412   1,195,038    (290,651  13,315,799    13,565,057   1,283,003    (294,581  14,553,479 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

Total Liabilities and Partners’ Capital

  $20,019,660  $8,569,995   $(656,280 $27,933,375   $21,956,100  $9,201,670   $(697,413 $30,460,357 
  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

 

continued…

THE BLACKSTONE GROUP L.P.

Unaudited Consolidating Statements of Financial Condition

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

   December 31, 2017 
   Consolidated
Operating
Partnerships
  Consolidated
Blackstone
Funds (a)
   Reclasses and
Eliminations
  Consolidated 

Assets

      

Cash and Cash Equivalents

  $1,992,497  $—     $—    $1,992,497 

Cash Held by Blackstone Funds and Other

   345,668   1,583,863    —     1,929,531 

Investments

   12,087,525   13,093,670    (747,146  24,434,049 

Accounts Receivable

   404,071   470,947    —     875,018 

Due from Affiliates

   2,009,866   47,325    (29,054  2,028,137 

Intangible Assets, Net

   409,828   —      —     409,828 

Goodwill

   1,778,192   —      —     1,778,192 

Other Assets

   234,603   8,094    —     242,697 

Deferred Tax Assets

   725,970   —      —     725,970 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Assets

  $19,988,220  $15,203,899   $(776,200 $34,415,919 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Liabilities and Partners’ Capital

      

Loans Payable

  $3,514,815  $11,300,621   $—    $14,815,436 

Due to Affiliates

   852,123   339,138    (254,103  937,158 

Accrued Compensation and Benefits

   2,623,492   —      —     2,623,492 

Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased

   64,473   89,907    —     154,380 

Repurchase Agreements

   —     118,840    —     118,840 

Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities

   477,615   1,565,907    —     2,043,522 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

   7,532,518   13,414,413    (254,103  20,692,828 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

RedeemableNon-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

   22,000   188,944    —     210,944 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Partners’ Capital

      

Partners’ Capital

   6,669,327   378,030    (378,846  6,668,511 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

   (34,836  —      818   (34,018

Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

   2,174,705   1,222,512    (144,069  3,253,148 

Non-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings

   3,624,506   —      —     3,624,506 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Partners’ Capital

   12,433,702   1,600,542    (522,097  13,512,147 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Partners’ Capital

  $19,988,220  $15,203,899   $(776,200 $34,415,919 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

(a)

The Consolidated Blackstone Funds consisted of the following:

Blackstone / GSO Global Dynamic Credit Feeder Fund (Cayman) LP

Blackstone / GSO Global Dynamic Credit Funding Designated Activity Company

Blackstone / GSO Global Dynamic Credit Master Fund

Blackstone / GSO Global Dynamic Credit USD Feeder Fund (Ireland)

Blackstone / GSO Loan Financing Limited*

Blackstone Real Estate Partners VI.C — ESH L.P.*

Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Fund L.P.

Blackstone Real Estate Special Situations Offshore Fund Ltd.

Blackstone Strategic Alliance Fund L.P.

BSSF I AIV L.P.

BTD CP Holdings LP

Collateralized loan obligation vehicles

GSO Legacy Associates 2 LLC*

GSO Legacy Associates LLC*

Mezzanineside-by-side investment vehicles

Private equityside-by-side investment vehicles

Real estateside-by-side investment vehicles

 

 *

Consolidated as of December 31, 2017 only.

 

ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with The Blackstone Group L.P.’s condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes included within this Quarterly Report onForm 10-Q.

Our Business

Blackstone is one of the largest independent managers of private capital in the world. Our business is organized into four segments:

 

Private Equity. We are a world leader in private equity investing, having managed seven general private equity funds, as well as three sector-focused funds, since we established this business in 1987. Our Private Equity segment includes our corporate private equity business, which consists of our flagship private equity funds (Blackstone Capital Partners (“BCP”) funds), our sector-focused private equity funds, including our energy-focused funds (Blackstone Energy Partners (“BEP”) funds), and our new Asia-focused fund.fund (Blackstone Capital Partners Asia (“BCP Asia”) fund). In addition, our Private Equity segment includes our core private equity fund, Blackstone Core Equity Partners (“BCEP”), our opportunistic investment platform that invests globally across asset classes, industries and geographies, Blackstone Tactical Opportunities (“Tactical Opportunities”), our secondary private equity fund of funds business, Strategic Partners Fund Solutions (“Strategic Partners”), our infrastructure-focused funds, Blackstone Infrastructure Partners (“BIP”), a multi-asset investment program for eligible high net worth investors offering exposure to certain of Blackstone’s key illiquid investment strategies through a single commitment, Blackstone Total Alternatives Solution (“BTAS”) and our capital markets services business, Blackstone Capital Markets (“BXCM”).

Our corporate private equity business pursues transactions throughout the world across a variety of transaction types, including large buyouts,mid-cap buyouts, buy and build platforms (which involve multiple acquisitions behind a single management team and platform) and growth equity/development projects (which involve significant minority investments in mature companies and greenfield development projects in energy and power). Tactical Opportunities invests globally across asset classes, industries and geographies, seeking to identify and execute on attractive, differentiated investment opportunities, leveraging the intellectual capital across our various businesses while continuously optimizing its approach in the face of ever changing market conditions. Strategic Partners focuses on delivering access to a range of opportunities, leveraging its proprietary database to acquire single fund interests or complex portfolios in an efficient and timely manner. BIP focuses on investments in core and core+ infrastructure in the energy, transportation, communications and water and waste sectors.

 

Real Estate. Our Real Estate group is one of the largest real estate investment managers in the world. We operate as one globally integrated business, with investments in North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America. Our Real Estate investment team seeks to establish a differentiated view and capitalizes on our scale and proprietary information advantages to invest with conviction and generate attractive risk-adjusted returns for our investors over the long term.

Our Blackstone Real Estate Partners (“BREP”) funds are geographically diversified and target a broad range of “opportunistic” real estate and real estate-related investments. The BREP funds include global funds as well as funds focused specifically on Europe or Asia investments. We seek to acquire high quality, well-located yet undermanaged assets at an attractive basis, address any property or business issues through active asset management and sell the assets once our business plan is accomplished. BREP has made significant investments in hotels, office buildings, shopping centers, residential and industrial assets, as well as a variety of real estate operating companies.

Our core+ real estate business, Blackstone Property Partners (“BPP”) has assembled a global portfolio of high quality core+ investments across the U.S., Europe and Asia. We manage several core+ real estate funds, which target substantially stabilized assets in prime markets with a focus on office, multifamily, industrial and retail assets.

BREIT, anon-exchange traded REIT, is focused on investing primarily in stabilized income-oriented commercial real estate in the U.S. and to a lesser extent, investing in real estate-related securities.

Our Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies (“BREDS”) vehicles target debt investment opportunities collateralized by commercial real estate in both public and private markets, primarily in the U.S. and Europe. BREDS’ scale and investment mandates enable it to provide a variety of lending and investment options including mezzanine loans, senior loans and liquid securities. The BREDS platform includes a number of high yield real estate debt funds, liquid real estate debt funds and BXMT, a NYSE-listed real estate investment trust (“REIT”).

 

Hedge Fund Solutions. Blackstone’s Hedge Fund Solutions segment is comprised principally of Blackstone Alternative Asset Management (“BAAM”). BAAM is the world’s largest discretionary allocator to hedge funds, managing a broad range of commingled and customized fund solutions since its inception in 1990. The Hedge Fund Solutions segment also includes investment platforms that seed new hedge fund businesses, purchase minority ownership interests in more established hedge funds, invest in special situation opportunities, create alternative solutions in regulated structures and trade directly.

 

Credit. Our credit segment consists principally of GSO Capital Partners LP (“GSO”) which was founded in 2005 and subsequently acquired by Blackstone in 2008. GSO is one of the largest leveraged finance-focused alternative asset managers in the world and is the largest manager of collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”) globally. The investment portfolios of the funds we manage orsub-advise predominantly consist of loans and securities ofnon-investment grade companies spread across the capital structure including senior debt, subordinated debt, preferred stock and common equity.

The GSO business is organized into three overarching strategies: performing credit, distressed and long only. Our performing credit strategies include mezzanine lending funds, middle market direct lending funds, (which would include the business development companiessub-advisory business (“BDCs”)), and other performing credit strategy funds. Our distressed strategies include credit alpha strategies, stressed/distressed funds and energy strategies. GSO’s long only strategies consist of CLOs, closed end funds, commingled funds and separately managed accounts.

In addition, our credit business includes our publicly traded master limited partnership (“MLP”) and investment platform, which are managed by Harvest. Harvest, which was founded in 2005 and subsequently acquired by Blackstone in 2017, primarily invests capital raised from institutional investors in separately managed accounts and pooled vehicles, investing in publicly traded MLPs holding primarily midstream energy assets in the U.S.

Our insurer-focused platform, BIS, partners withdelivers to insurers to deliver customizablebespoke, capital-efficient investments and diversified portfolios of Blackstone products across asset classes as well as the option for full management of insurance companies’ investment portfolios.tailored to their needs and risk profile.

We generate revenue from fees earned pursuant to contractual arrangements with funds, fund investors and fund portfolio companies (including management, transaction and monitoring fees), and from capital markets

services. We invest in the funds we manage and we are entitled to apro-rata share of the results of the fund (a“pro-rata allocation”). In addition to apro-rata allocation, and assuming certain investment returns are achieved, we

are entitled to a disproportionate allocation of the income otherwise allocable to the limited partners, commonly referred to as carried interest (“Performance Allocations”). In certain structures, we receive a contractual incentive fee from an investment fund in the event that specified cumulative investment returns are achieved (an “Incentive Fee”, and together with Performance Allocations, “Performance Revenues”). The composition of our revenues will vary based on market conditions and the cyclicality of the different businesses in which we operate. Net investment gains and investment income generated by the Blackstone Funds, principally private equity and real estate funds, are driven by value created by our operating and strategic initiatives as well as overall market conditions. Fair values are affected by changes in the fundamentals of the portfolio company, the portfolio company’s industry, the overall economy and other market conditions.

Business Environment

Blackstone’s businesses are materially affected by conditions in the financial markets and economic conditions in the U.S., Europe, Asia and, to a lesser extent, elsewhere in the world.

The firstthird quarter of 2018 was characterized by increased market volatility driven bycontinued global economic expansion, particularly in the U.S., despite growing concerns over rising interest rates, firming inflationtrade protectionism and escalating trade tension betweenemerging market weakness. Strong U.S. economic growth and corporate earnings led the U.S. and China. The Chicago Board Options Exchange (“CBOE”) volatility index more than doubled in February, endingS&P 500 higher during the quarter, up 81%. Major global indices rose meaningfully8%, its largest quarterly advance in five years. In the first three weeks of 2018, before reversing to endthird quarter, the first quarter flat or slightly down. After reaching anall-time high in January 2018, the S&P 500 declined 8%, ending the first quarter down 1%. The MSCI World and Europe indices declined 2% and 3%Index rose 5%, respectively, while the MSCI World excluding the U.S. Index increased 1% and the MSCI Europe and Asia index ended the quarterindices were both flat. As trade concerns weighed on developed markets, emergingEmerging market equities experienced moderate outperformance,underperformed, with the MSCI Emerging Markets Index endingdown 2% for the quarter. Subsequent to the end of the third quarter, up 1%.however, U.S. and other global equity markets experienced a sharp decline amid concerns of potentially slowing economic growth for the fourth quarter and into 2019. After declining 25% in the third quarter, the Cboe Volatility Index rose sharply in October concurrent with the sharp decline in global equity markets.

TheDespite positive momentum in the U.S., the global growth cycle has become less synchronized with signs of slowing in Europe, Japan and China. For example, in the third quarter of 2018, China’s economy continues to show strong momentum, withgrew at 6.5%, its weakest year-over-year quarterly growth in most major markets.since the first quarter of 2009 during the global financial crisis. In the U.S., the Bureau of Economic Analysis’ initial report on first-quarterthird quarter 2018 GDP indicated growth of 2.3%3.5%, downrepresenting a deceleration in growth from 2.9% in the priorsecond quarter, but withas most analysts expecting apick-up in subsequent quarters. Monetaryeconomists expected. U.S. monetary policy continues to tighten as expected, and the U.S. Federal Reserve raised interest rates in MarchSeptember for the sixtheighth time since December 2015, with the current target range set at 2.0 to 1.5% to 1.75%2.25%.10-yearTen-year U.S. Treasury yields rose to 2.7%3.06% in the first quarter of 2018, and increased furtherexceeded 3.2% subsequent to quarter end, furthering investor concerns over the potential negative impact to values of fixed income and longer duration assets. The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate index declined 1.5%,Bond Index was flat, U.S. investment grade corporates were down 2.3%0.5% and high yield corporates declined 0.9% inadvanced 2.4% for the first quarter of 2018.quarter. High yield spreads were largely flattightened by 40 basis points during the quarter, and issuancenear their lowest level since 2008, while issuances fell 32%27% year over year.

In the U.S., the unemployment rate fell to 3.7% in September, its lowest level since 1969, and weekly wages rose at an annualized 3.3% in the third quarter of 2018, higher than the 2.6% increase in inflation over the same period.

Global equity issuance for both initial public offerings andfollow-on offerings remained strong inslowed, with the first quarternine months of 2018, with activity up 4%the year down 6% year over year.year, marking the slowest nine-month period since 2016. Global merger and acquisition (“M&A”) volume increased 67% to $1.2reached a record $3.2 trillion infor the first nine months of the year, but declined 35% quarter the strongest start to a year ever, due to a strong deal backlog and clarity on U.S. tax reform. Despite healthy deal activity in the firstover quarter, of 2018, market volatility and a less accomodating U.S.reflecting ongoing concerns over trade and antitrust policy may adversely impact future global transaction activity.policy.

Energy and commodity markets experienced increased volatility inwas modestly weaker during the first quarter of 2018, withand the S&P 500 Energy Index down 7% and the Bloomberg Commodity Indexwas flat. The price of crude oil fell slightly, with West Texas Intermediate Crude down 1%. Spot prices for commodities were mixed. The to $73 per barrel, still well below historical averages, while the Henry Hub Natural Gas spot price rose 3%. Spot prices for other commodities declined, 7% inwith the quarter, whileBloomberg Commodity Index down 3% during the price of crude oil increased, with West Texas Intermediate Crude up 7% to $65 per barrel. However, oil prices remain well below historical averages.quarter.

In the near term, most economists expect continued steady economic growth and the continued normalization of monetary policy to continue, coupled with healthy economic growth. The economic backdrop remains stable, with strong corporate earnings growth, low inflation levels and graduallyin the U.S, although global trade tensions, increasing interest rates.rates and rising geopolitical instability present ongoing concerns.

Notable Transactions

On January 1, 2018, Blackstone adopted new GAAP guidance on revenue recognition and implemented a change in accounting principle related to carried interest and incentive allocations, which will be accounted for under the GAAP guidance for equity method investments. This adjustment did not have a material impact on Blackstone’s historical financial results, but resulted in changes to previously reported GAAP Net Income Attributable to The Blackstone Group L.P. and Economic Income. All historical results presented have been recast to reflect these changes. This adjustment did not result in any change to Fee Related Earnings or Distributable Earnings. A complete description of the changes can be found in in Note 2. “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Recent Accounting Developments” in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” in “Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements” of this filing.

On April 9, 2018, Blackstone concluded its investmentsub-advisory relationship with FS Investments’ funds (the “FS Funds”), as previously announced. At March 31, 2018, the FS Funds represented $20.0 billion of Total Assets Under Management. Over time, we believe we will replace and ultimately overtake the prior level of revenue and earnings associated with oursub-advisory relationsrelationship with FS Investments. As part of the transaction, Blackstone received proceeds from FS Investments of $580.9 million which will beis recorded as Other Revenues within the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three months endingended June 30, 2018. This amount is transaction-relatedcharacterized as a Transaction-Related Charge and willtherefore is not be included in Economic Income, Fee Related Earnings, or Distributable Earnings for the three months endingended June 30, 2018. Blackstone intends to distribute a portion of theafter-tax proceeds to unitholders resulting in an anticipated incremental $0.30 per common unit and per Blackstone Holdings Partnership unit over the next three quarters.second, third and fourth quarters of 2018, of which $0.10 per common unit was distributed on each of August 6, 2018 and November 5, 2018.

On April 16,September 21, 2018, Blackstone Holdings Finance Co L.L.C., an indirect subsidiary of the Partnership, entered into an amended and restated $1.6 billion revolving credit facility. The amendment and restatement to the Issuer’s credit facility, among other things, increased the amount of available borrowings and extended the maturity date from August 31, 2021 to September 21, 2023.

On October 4, 2018, Blackstone announced an agreement to acquire Clarus Ventures, LLC and certain of its affiliates (“Clarus”), a leading global life sciences investment firm that has raised $2.6 billion since its Boardfounding. Clarus is focused on funding growth-stage investments, often in partnership with major biopharmaceutical companies through research and development collaborations (the “Clarus Acquisition”). The Clarus Acquisition launches Blackstone Life Sciences, a private investment platform with capabilities to invest across the life-cycle of Directors authorizedcompanies and products within the repurchasekey life sciences sectors. The Clarus Acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of up2018, subject to $1.0 billion of common units and Blackstone Holdings partnership units, increasingcustomary closing conditions. Once the $335.8 million of repurchase authorization remaining under the prior authorization. Under the unit repurchase program, units mayClarus Acquisition closes, Clarus will be repurchased from time to timeincluded in open market transactions, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. The timing and the actual number of units repurchased will depend on a variety of factors, including legal requirements, price and economic and market conditions. The unit repurchase program may be changed, suspended or discontinued at any time and does not have a specified expiration date.our Private Equity segment.

Organizational Structure

The simplified diagram below depicts our current organizational structure. The diagram does not depict all of our subsidiaries, including intermediate holding companies through which certain of the subsidiaries depicted are held.

 

 

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Key Financial Measures and Indicators

We manage our business using traditionalkey financial measures and key operating metricsindicators since we believe these metricsthey measure the productivity of our investment activities. Our key financial measures and indicators are discussed below.

Revenues

Revenues primarily consist of management and advisory fees, incentive fees, investment income, interest and dividend revenue and other. Please refer to “Part I. Item 1. Business — Incentive Arrangements / Fee Structure” in our Annual Report onForm10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and “— Critical Accounting Policies — Revenue Recognition” for additional information regarding the manner in which Base Management Fees and Incentive Fees are generated.

Management and advisory fees and incentive fees are accounted for as contracts with customers. Under the guidance for contracts with customers, an entity is required to (a) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (b) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (c) determine the transaction price, (d) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (e) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. In determining the transaction price, an entity may include variable consideration only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized would not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. See Note 18. “Segment Reporting” in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” in “Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements” for a disaggregated presentation of revenues from contracts with customers.

Investment Income represents the unrealized and realized gains and losses on the Partnership’s Performance Allocations and Principal Investments. Interest and Dividend Revenue comprises primarily interest and dividend

income earned on principal investments held by us. Other Revenue consists of miscellaneous income and foreign exchange gains and losses arising on transactions denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars.

Management and Advisory Fees, Net — Management and Advisory Fees, Net are comprised of management fees, including base management fees, transaction and other fees and advisory fees net of management fee reductions and offsets.

The Partnership earns base management fees from limited partners of funds in each of its managed funds, at a fixed percentage of assets under management, net asset value, total assets, committed capital or invested capital. These customer contracts require the Partnership to provide investment management services, which represents a performance obligation that the Partnership satisfies over time. Management fees are a form of variable consideration because the fees the Partnership is entitled to vary based on fluctuations in the basis for the management fee. The amount recorded as revenue is generally determined at the end of the period because these management fees are payable on a regular basis (typically quarterly) and are not subject to clawback once paid.

Transaction, advisory and other fees (including monitoring fees) are principally fees charged to the limited partners of funds indirectly through the managed funds and portfolio companies. The investment advisory agreements generally require that the investment adviser reduce the amount of management fees payable by the limited partners to the Partnership (“management fee reductions”) by an amount equal to a portion of the transaction and other fees paid to the Partnership by the portfolio companies. The amount of the reduction varies by fund, the type of fee paid by the portfolio company and the previously incurred expenses of the fund. These fees and associated management fee reductions are a component of the transaction price for our performance obligation to provide investment management services to the limited partners of funds and are recognized as changes to the transaction price in the period in which they are charged and the services are performed.

Management fee offsets are reductions to management fees payable by the limited partners of the Blackstone Funds, which are based on the amount such limited partners reimburse the Blackstone Funds or the Partnership primarily for placement fees. Providing investment management services requires the Partnership to arrange for services on behalf of its customers. In those situations where we are acting as an agent on behalf of the limited partners of funds, it presents the cost of services as net against management fee revenue. In all other situations, the Partnership is primarily responsible for fulfilling the services and is therefore acting as a principal for those arrangements. As a result, the cost of those services is presented gross as anCompensation or General, Administrative and Other expense, as appropriate, with any reimbursement from the limited partners of the funds recorded as revenue.Management and Advisory Fees, Net.

Accrued but unpaid Management and Advisory Fees, net of management fee reductions and management fee offsets, as of the reporting date are included in Accounts Receivable or Due from Affiliates in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

Incentive Fees —Contractual fees earned based on the performance of Blackstone Funds (“Incentive Fees”) are a form of variable consideration in theirBlackstone’s contracts with customers to provide investment management services. Incentive Fees are earned based on fund performance during the period, subject to the achievement of minimum return levels, or high water marks, in accordance with the respective terms set out in each fund’s governing agreements. Incentive Fees will not be recognized as revenue until (a) it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur, or (b) the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. Incentive Fees are typically recognized as revenue when realized at the end of the measurement period. Once realized, such fees are not subject to clawback or reversal. Accrued but unpaid Incentive Fees charged directly to investors in Blackstone Funds as of the reporting date are recorded within Due from Affiliates in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

Investment Income (Loss) — Investment Income (Loss) represents the unrealized and realized gains and losses on the Partnership’s Performance Allocations and Principal Investments.

In certain fund structures across private equity, real estate, hedge fund solutions and credit-focused funds which we refer to as (“carry funds,funds”), Blackstone, through its subsidiaries, invests alongside its limited partners in a partnership and is entitled to itspro-rata share of the results of the fund (a“pro-rata allocation”). In addition to apro-rata allocation, and assuming certain investment returns are achieved, Blackstone is entitled to a disproportionate allocation of the income otherwise allocable to the limited partners, commonly referred to as carried interest or (“Performance Allocations.Allocations”).

Performance Allocations are made to the general partner based on cumulative fund performance to date, subject to a preferred return to limited partners. At the end of each reporting period, the Partnership calculates the balance of accrued Performance Allocations (“Accrued Performance Allocations”) that would be due to the Partnership for each fund, pursuant to the fund agreements, as if the fair value of the underlying investments were realized as of such date, irrespective of whether such amounts have been realized. As the fair value of underlying investments varies between reporting periods, it is necessary to make adjustments to amounts recorded as Accrued Performance Allocations to reflect either (a) positive performance resulting in an increase in the Accrued Performance Allocation to the general partner or (b) negative performance that would cause the amount due to the Partnership to be less than the amount previously recognized as revenue, resulting in a negative adjustment to the Accrued Performance Allocation to the general partner. In each scenario, it is necessary to calculate the Accrued Performance Allocation on cumulative results compared to the Accrued Performance Allocation recorded to date and make the required positive or negative adjustments. The Partnership ceases to record negative Performance Allocations once previously Accrued Performance Allocations for such fund have been fully reversed. The Partnership is not obligated to pay guaranteed returns or hurdles, and therefore, cannot have negative Performance Allocations over the life of a fund. Accrued Performance Allocations as of the reporting date are reflected in Investments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

Performance Allocations are realized when an underlying investment is profitably disposed of and the fund’s cumulative returns are in excess of the preferred return or, in limited instances, after certain thresholds for return of capital are met. Performance Allocations are subject to clawback to the extent that the Performance Allocation received to date exceeds the amount due to Blackstone based on cumulative results. As such, the accrual for potential repayment of previously received Performance Allocations, which is a component of Due to Affiliates, represents all amounts previously distributed to Blackstone Holdings andnon-controlling interest holders that would need to be repaid to the Blackstone carry funds if the Blackstone carry funds were to be liquidated based on the current fair value of the underlying funds’ investments as of the reporting date. The actual clawback liability, however, generally does not become realized until the end of a fund’s life except for certain funds, including certain Blackstone real estate funds, multi-asset class investment funds and credit-focused funds, which may have an interim clawback liability.

Principal Investments include the unrealized and realized gains and losses on the Partnership’s principal investments, including its investments in Blackstone Funds that are not consolidated and receivepro-rata allocations, its equity method investments, and other principal investments. Income (Loss) on Principal Investments is realized when the Partnership redeems all or a portion of its investment or when the Partnership receives cash income, such as dividends or distributions. Unrealized Income (Loss) on Principal Investments results from changes in the fair value of the underlying investment as well as the reversal of unrealized gain (loss) at the time an investment is realized.

Interest and Dividend Revenue — Interest and Dividend Revenue comprises primarily interest and dividend income earned on principal investments held by Blackstone.

Other Revenue — Other Revenue consists of miscellaneous income and foreign exchange gains and losses arising on transactions denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars.

Expenses

Compensation and Benefits — Compensation —Compensation and Benefits consists of (a) employee compensation, comprising salary and bonus, and benefits paid and payable to employees and senior managing directors and (b) equity-based compensation associated with the grants of equity-based awards to employees and senior managing directors. Compensation cost relating to the issuance of equity-based awards to senior managing directors and employees is measured at fair value at the grant date, taking into consideration expected forfeitures, and expensed over the vesting period on a straight-line basis, taking into consideration expected forfeitures, except in the case of (a) equity-based awards that do not require future service, which are expensed immediately, and (b) certain awards to recipients that meet specified criteria making them eligible for retirement treatment (allowing such recipient to keep a percentage of those awards upon departure from Blackstone after becoming eligible for retirement), for which the expense for the portion of the award that would be retained in the event of retirement is either expensed immediately or amortized to the retirement date. Cash settled equity-based awards are classified as liabilities and are remeasured at the end of each reporting period.

Compensation and Benefits — Incentive Fee Compensation —Incentive Fee Compensation consists of compensation paid based on Incentive Fees.

Compensation and Benefits — Performance Allocations Compensation —Performance Allocation Compensation consists of compensation paid based on Performance Allocations (which may be distributed in cash orin-kind). Such compensation expense is subject to both positive and negative adjustments. Unlike Performance Allocations, compensation expense is based on the performance of individual investments held by a fund rather than on a fund by fund basis. These amounts may also include allocations of investment income from Blackstone’s principal investments, to senior managing directors and employees participating in certain profit sharing initiatives.

Other Operating Expenses —Other Operating Expenses represents general and administrative expenses including interest expense, occupancy and equipment expenses and other expenses, which consist principally of professional fees, public company costs, travel and related expenses, communications and information services and depreciation and amortization.

Fund Expenses —The expenses of our consolidated Blackstone Funds consist primarily of interest expense, professional fees and other third party expenses.

Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities represent the component of Partners’ Capital in consolidated Blackstone Funds held by third party investors and employees. The percentage interests held by third parties and employees is adjusted for general partner allocations and by subscriptions and redemptions in funds of hedge funds and certain credit-focused funds which occur during the reporting period. In addition, allnon-controlling interests in consolidated Blackstone Funds are attributed a share of income (loss) arising from the respective funds and a share of other comprehensive income, if applicable. Income (Loss) is allocated tonon-controlling interests in consolidated entities based on the relative ownership interests of third party investors and employees after considering any contractual arrangements that govern the allocation of income (loss) such as fees allocable to The Blackstone Group L.P.

RedeemableNon-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

Non-controlling interests related to funds of hedge funds are subject to annual, semi-annual or quarterly redemption by investors in these funds following the expiration of a specified period of time, or may be withdrawn subject to a redemption fee during the period when capital may not be withdrawn. As limited partners in these types of funds have been granted redemption rights, amounts relating to third party interests in such consolidated funds are presented as RedeemableNon-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. When redeemable amounts become legally payable to investors, they are

classified as a liability and included in Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. For all consolidated funds in which redemption rights have not been granted,non-controlling interests are presented within Partners’ Capital in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition asNon-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities.

Non-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings

Non-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings represent the component of Partners’ Capital in the consolidated Blackstone Holdings Partnerships held by Blackstone personnel and others who are limited partners of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships.

Certain costs and expenses are borne directly by the Holdings Partnerships. Income (Loss), excluding those costs directly borne by and attributable to the Holdings Partnerships, is attributable toNon-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings. This residual attribution is based on the year to date average percentage of Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units held by Blackstone personnel and others who are limited partners of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships.

Income Taxes

The Blackstone Holdings Partnerships and certain of their subsidiaries operate in the U.S. as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes and generally as corporate entities innon-U.S. jurisdictions. Accordingly, these entities in some cases are subject to New York City unincorporated business taxes ornon-U.S. income taxes. In addition, certain of the wholly owned subsidiaries of the Partnership and the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships will be subject to federal, state and local corporate income taxes at the entity level and the related tax provision attributable to the Partnership’s share of this income tax is reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method of accounting. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis, using tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period when the change is enacted. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Current and deferred tax liabilities are recorded within Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

Blackstone uses the flow-through method to account for investment tax credits. Under this method, the investment tax credits are recognized as a reduction to income tax expense.

Blackstone analyzes its tax filing positions in all of the U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax jurisdictions where it is required to file income tax returns, as well as for all open tax years in these jurisdictions. Blackstone records uncertain tax positions on the basis of atwo-step process: (a) a determination is made whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained based on the technical merits of the position and (b) those tax positions that meet themore-likely-than-not threshold are recognized as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority. Blackstone recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in General, Administrative, and Other expenses within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Certain past legislative proposals by members of the U.S. Congress would treat carried interest as not meeting the qualifying income requirements under the publicly traded partnership rules (after a transition period in the case of existing publicly traded partnerships). If similar legislation were enacted and applied to us, we would not qualify as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes unless we held carried interest through corporations. If we

were taxed as a corporation or held carried interest through taxable subsidiary corporations, our effective tax rate could increase significantly.

States and other jurisdictions have also considered legislation to increase taxes with respect to carried interest. For example, New Jersey recently enacted legislation which eliminates an exclusion from New Jersey source income (fornon-residents) for carried interest and income from providing investment management services, which is not expected to materially affect our common unitholders, and authorizes a contingent 17% surtax on such management income for gross income tax and corporate income tax purposes. These carried interest provisions remainnon-operative as they are dependent upon Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts enacting legislation with identical provisions. In addition, New York State has considered legislation, which could cause anon-resident of New York State who holds our common units to be subject to New York State income tax on carried interest earned by entities in which we hold an indirect interest, thereby requiring thenon-resident to file a New York State income tax return reporting such carried interest income. As part of that same proposal, New York State also considered a state tax surcharge of 17% on carried interest in addition to the personal income tax. Similar proposals are under consideration in other jurisdictions such as California. Whether or when similar legislation will be enacted is unclear.

Finally, several state and local jurisdictions have evaluatedare evaluating ways to subject partnerships to entity level taxation through the imposition of state or local income, franchise or other forms of taxation or to increase the amount of such taxation. For example, although it would not affect us materially, Connecticut recently enacted an income tax on pass-through entities doing business in Connecticut, and states in which we do business may consider similar tax changes. These and other proposals have recently been under heightened consideration in light of U.S. federal income tax legislation, known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was signed into law on December 22, 2017 (the “Tax Reform Bill”).

Meaningfully quantifying the potential impact on Blackstone of this potential future legislation or any similar legislation is not possible at this time. Multiple versions of legislation in this area have been proposed over the last few years that have included significantly different provisions regarding effective dates and the treatment of invested capital, tiered entities and cross-border operations, among other matters. Depending upon what version of the legislation, if any, were enacted, the potential impact on a public company such as Blackstone in a given year could differ significantly and could be material. In addition, even if these legislative proposals would not themselves impose a tax on a publicly traded partnership such as Blackstone, they could force Blackstone and other publicly traded partnerships to restructure their operations so as to prevent disqualifying income from reaching the publicly traded partnership in amounts that would disqualify the partnership from treatment as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Such a restructuring could result in more income being earned in corporate subsidiaries, thereby increasing corporate income tax liability indirectly borne by the publicly traded partnership. In addition, we, and our common unitholders, could be taxed on any such restructuring. The nature of any such restructuring would depend on the precise provisions of the legislation that was ultimately enacted, as well as the particular facts and circumstances of Blackstone’s operations at the time any such legislation were to take effect, making the task of predicting the amount of additional tax highly speculative.

The recently enacted Tax Reform Bill has resulted in fundamental changes to the Internal Revenue Code. Changes to U.S. tax laws resulting from the Tax Reform Bill, including reduction to the federal corporate income tax rate, partial limitation on the deductibility of business interest expense, and a longer three-year holding period requirement for carried interest to be treated as long-term capital gain could have a material effect on our business operations and our funds’ investment activities. These and other changes from the Tax Reform Bill — including limitations on the use, carryback and carryforward of net operating losses and changes relating to the scope and timing of U.S. taxation on earnings from international business operations — could also have a significant effect on the business of our portfolio companies. The exact impact of the Tax Reform Bill for future years is still unclear and difficult to quantify, but these changes could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, other changes could be enacted in the future to increase the corporate tax rate, limit further the deductibility of interest, subject carried interest to more onerous taxation or effect other changes that could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Congress, the Organization for EconomicCo-operation and Development (“OECD”) and other government agencies in jurisdictions in which we and our affiliates invest or do business have maintained a focus on issues

related to the taxation of multinational companies. The OECD, which represents a coalition of member countries, is contemplating changes to numerous long-standing tax principles through its base erosion and profit shifting (“BEPS”) project, which is focused on a number of issues, including the shifting of profits between affiliated entities in different tax jurisdictions, interest deductibility and eligibility for the benefits of double tax treaties. Several of the proposed measures are potentially relevant to some of our structures and could have an adverse tax impact on our funds, investors and/or our portfolio companies. Some member countries have been moving forward on the BEPS agenda but, because timing of implementation and the specific measures adopted will vary among

participating states, significant uncertainty remains regarding the impact of BEPS proposals. If implemented, these proposals could result in a loss of tax treaty benefits and increased taxes on income from our investments.

A number of European jurisdictions have enacted taxes on financial transactions, and the European Commission has proposed legislation to harmonize these taxes under theso-called “enhanced cooperation procedure,” which provides for adoption ofEU-level legislation applicable to some but not all EU Member States. These contemplated changes, if adopted by individual countries, could increase tax uncertainty and/or costs faced by us, our portfolio companies and our investors, change our business model and cause other adverse consequences. The timing or impact of these proposals is unclear at this point. In addition, tax laws, regulations and interpretations are subject to continual changes, which could adversely affect our structures or returns to our investors. For instance, various countries have adopted or proposed tax legislation that may adversely affect portfolio companies and investment structures in countries in which our funds have invested and may limit the benefits of additional investments in those countries.

In addition, legislation enacted in 2015 significantly changed the rules for U.S. federal income tax audits of partnerships. Such audits will be conducted at the partnership level, and unless a partnership qualifies for and affirmatively elects an alternative procedure, any adjustments to the amount of tax due (including interest and penalties) will be payable by the partnership. Under an elective alternative procedure, a partnership would issue information returns to persons who were partners in the audited year, who would then be required to take the adjustments into account in calculating their own tax liability, and the partnership would not be liable for the adjustments. If a partnership elects the alternative procedure for a given adjustment, the amount of taxes for which its partners would be liable would be increased by any applicable penalties and a special interest charge. There can be no assurance that we will be eligible to make such an election or that we will, in fact, make such an election for any given adjustment. If we do not or are not able to make such an election, then (a) our then-current common unitholders, in the aggregate, could indirectly bear income tax liabilities in excess of the aggregate amount of taxes that would have been due had we elected the alternative procedure, and (b) a given common unitholder may indirectly bear taxes attributable to income allocable to other common unitholders or former common unitholders, including taxes (as well as interest and penalties) with respect to periods prior to such holder’s ownership of common units. Amounts available for distribution to our common unitholders may be reduced as a result of our obligation to pay any taxes associated with an adjustment. Many issues with respect to, and the overall effect of, this legislation on us are uncertain, and common unitholders should consult their own tax advisors regarding all aspects of this legislation as it affects their particular circumstances.

Economic Income

Blackstone uses Economic Income as a key measure of value creation, a benchmark of its performance and in making resource deployment and compensation decisions across its four segments. Economic Income represents segment net income before taxes excluding transaction-related charges. Transaction-related charges arise from Blackstone’s IPO and certain long-term retention programs outside of annual deferred compensation and other corporate actions, including acquisitions. Transaction-related charges include certain equity-based compensation charges, the amortization of intangible assets and contingent consideration associated with acquisitions. Economic Income presents revenues and expenses on a basis that deconsolidates the investment funds Blackstone manages.manages, and excludes the amortization of intangibles and other activity referred to as “Transaction-Related Charges”. Transaction-Related Charges arise from corporate actions including acquisitions, divestitures, and Blackstone’s initial public offering. They consist primarily of equity-based compensation charges, gains and losses on contingent consideration arrangements, changes in the balance of the tax receivable agreement resulting from a change in tax law or similar event, transaction costs and any gains or losses associated with these corporate actions. For segment reporting purposes, Performance Allocations and Incentive Fees are presented together and referred to collectively as Performance Revenues.Revenues or Performance Compensation. Economic Income, our principal segment measure, is

derived from and reconciled to, but not equivalent to, its most directly comparable GAAP measure of Income (Loss) Before Provision for Taxes. See Note 18. “Segment Reporting” in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” in “Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements”.

Economic Net Income

Economic Net Income (“ENI”) represents Economic Income adjusted to include current period taxes. Current period taxes represent the total tax provision calculated under accounting principles generally accepted in the

United States of America (“GAAP”) adjusted to include only the current tax provision (benefit) calculated on Income (Loss) Before Provision for Taxes and adjusted to exclude the tax impact of any divestitures. ENI is derived from and reconciled to, but not equivalent to, its most directly comparable GAAP measure of Income (Loss) Before Provision for Taxes. See “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for our reconciliation of Economic Net Income.

Fee Related Earnings

Blackstone uses Fee Related Earnings, which is derived from Economic Income, as a measure to highlight earnings from operations excluding: (a) the income related to performance revenues and related performance compensation, (b) income earned from Blackstone’s investments in the Blackstone Funds, (c) net interest income (loss), (d) equity-based compensation, and (e) Other Revenue. Management uses Fee Related Earnings as a measure to assess whetherits ability to generate profits from revenues that are measured and received on a recurring revenue from our businesses is sufficientbasis and not subject to adequately cover all of our operating expenses and generate profits.future realization events. Fee Related Earnings equals contractualmanagement and advisory fees (net of management fee revenues,reductions and offsets) plus Fee Related Net Performance Revenues, less (a) cash compensation expenses (which excludes amortization of equity-based awards, and Performance compensation),expense directly related to earning those revenues, and (b) other operating expenses.Other Operating Expenses. Fee Related Earnings is derived from and reconciled to, but not equivalent to, its most directly comparable GAAP measure of Income (Loss) Before Provision for Taxes. See “— Liquidity and Capital Resources — Sources and Uses of Liquidity”Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for our discussionreconciliation of Fee Related Earnings.

Fee Related Net Performance Revenues refers to the realized portion of Performance Revenues from Perpetual Capital that are (a) measured and received on a recurring basis and (b) not dependent on realization events from the underlying investments (“Fee Related Performance Revenues”), net of directly related cash compensation expense.

Performance Revenues collectively refers to: (a) Incentive Fees and (b) Performance Allocations. Performance Compensation collectively refers to: (a) Incentive Fee Compensation and (b) Performance Allocations Compensation.

Distributable Earnings

Distributable Earnings, which is derived from our segment reported results, is a supplemental measure to assess performance and amounts available for distributions to Blackstone unitholders, including Blackstone personnel and others who are limited partners of the Blackstone Holdings partnerships. Distributable Earnings which is a measure not prepared under GAAP (a“non-GAAP” measure), is intended to show the amount of net realized earnings without the effects of the consolidation of the Blackstone Funds. Distributable Earnings is derived from and reconciled to, but not equivalent to, its most directly comparable GAAP measure of Income (Loss) Before Provision for Taxes. See “ — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Sources and Uses of Liquidity”“—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for our discussionreconciliation of Distributable Earnings.

Distributable Earnings which is a component of Economic Net Income, is the sum across all segments of: (a) Total Management, Advisory and Other Fees, Net, (b) Interest and Dividend Revenue, (c) Realized Incentive Fees, (d) Realized Performance Allocations, and (e) Realized Principal Investment Income (Loss); less (a) Compensation, excluding the expense of equity-based awards, (b) Realized Incentive Fee Compensation, (c) Realized Performance Allocations Compensation, (d) Interest Expense, (e) Other Operating Expenses, and (f) Taxes and Related Payables Under the Tax Receivable Agreement.

Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes and Depreciation and Amortization

Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes and Depreciation and Amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”), is a supplementalnon-GAAP measure derived from our segment reported results and may be used to assess our ability to service our borrowings. Adjusted EBITDA represents Distributable Earnings plus the addition of (a) Interest Expense, (b) Taxes and Related Payables Including Payable Under Tax Receivable Agreement, and (c) Depreciation and Amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is derived from and reconciled to, but not equivalent to, its most directly comparable GAAP measure of Income (Loss) Before Provision for Taxes. See “— Liquidity and Capital Resources — Sources and Uses of Liquidity”Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for our calculationreconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA.

Summary Walkdown of GAAP toNon-GAAP Financial MetricsMeasures

The relationship of our GAAP tonon-GAAP financial measures is presented in the summary walkdown below. The summary walkdown shows how eachnon-GAAP financial measure is related to the othernon-GAAP financial measures. This presentation is not meant to be a detailed calculation of each measure, but to show the relationship between the measures. For the calculation of each of thesenon-GAAP financial measures and a full reconciliation of Income Before Provision for Taxes to Distributable Earnings, please see “ — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Distributable Earnings, Fee Related Earnings and Economic Net Income”“—Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.

 

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Operating Metrics

The alternative asset management business is a complex business that is primarily based on managing third party capital and does not require substantial capital investment to support rapid growth. However, there also can be volatility associated with its earnings and cash flows. Since our inception, we have developed and used various key operating metrics to assess and monitor the operating performance of our various alternative asset management businesses in order to monitor the effectiveness of our value creating strategies.

Assets Under Management. Assets Under Management refers to the assets we manage. Our Assets Under Management equals the sum of:

 

 (a)

the fair value of the investments held by our carry funds and ourside-by-side andco-investment entities managed by us, plus (1) the capital that we are entitled to call from investors in those funds and entities pursuant to the terms of their respective capital commitments, including capital commitments to funds that have yet to commence their investment periods, or (2) for certain credit-oriented funds the amounts available to be borrowed under asset based credit facilities,

 

 (b)

the net asset value of (1) our hedge funds, real estate debt carry funds, open ended core+ real estate fund, certainco-investments managed by us, and our Hedge Fund Solutions carry and drawdown funds (plus, in each case, the capital that we are entitled to call from investors in those funds, including commitments yet to commence their investment periods), and (2) our funds of hedge funds, our Hedge Fund Solutions registered investment companies, and ournon-exchange traded REIT,

 

 (c)

the invested capital, fair value or net asset value of assets we manage pursuant to separately managed accounts,

 

 (d)

the amount of debt and equity outstanding for our CLOs during the reinvestment period,

 

 (e)

the aggregate par amount of collateral assets, including principal cash, for our CLOs after the reinvestment period,

 

 (f)

the gross or net amount of assets (including leverage where applicable) for our credit-focused registered investment companies, and

 

 (g)

the fair value of common stock, preferred stock, convertible debt, or similar instruments issued by BXMT.

Our carry funds are commitment-based drawdown structured funds that do not permit investors to redeem their interests at their election. Our funds of hedge funds, hedge funds, funds structured like hedge funds and other open ended funds in our Hedge Fund Solutions, Credit and Real Estate segments generally have structures that afford an investor the right to withdraw or redeem their interests on a periodic basis (for example, annually or quarterly), typically with 30 to 95 days’ notice, depending on the fund and the liquidity profile of the underlying assets. Investment advisory agreements related to certain separately managed accounts in our Hedge Fund Solutions and Credit segments, excluding our BIS separately managed accounts, may generally be terminated by an investor on 30 to 90 days’ notice.

Fee-Earning Assets Under Management.Fee-Earning Assets Under Management refers to the assets we manage on which we derive management fees and/or performance revenues. OurFee-Earning Assets Under Management equals the sum of:

 

 (a)

for our Private Equity segment funds and Real Estate segment carry funds including certain real estate debt investment funds and certain of our Hedge Fund Solutions funds, the amount of capital commitments, remaining invested capital, fair value, net asset value or par value of assets held, depending on the fee terms of the fund,

 

 (b)

for our credit-focused carry funds, the amount of remaining invested capital (which may include leverage) or net asset value, depending on the fee terms of the fund,

 (c)

the remaining invested capital or fair value of assets held inco-investment vehicles managed by us on which we receive fees,

 (d)

the net asset value of our funds of hedge funds, hedge funds, open ended core+ real estate fund, certainco-investments managed by us, certain registered investment companies, ournon-exchange traded REIT, and certain of our Hedge Fund Solutions drawdown funds,

 

 (e)

the invested capital, fair value of assets or the net asset value we manage pursuant to separately managed accounts,

 

 (f)

the net proceeds received from equity offerings and accumulated core earnings of BXMT, subject to certain adjustments,

 

 (g)

the aggregate par amount of collateral assets, including principal cash, of our CLOs, and

 

 (h)

the gross amount of assets (including leverage) or the net assets (plus leverage where applicable) for certain of our credit-focused registered investment companies.

Each of our segments may include certainFee-Earning Assets Under Management on which we earn performance revenues but not management fees.

Our calculations of assets under management andfee-earning assets under management may differ from the calculations of other asset managers, and as a result this measure may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other asset managers. In addition, our calculation of assets under management includes commitments to, and the fair value of, invested capital in our funds from Blackstone and our personnel, regardless of whether such commitments or invested capital are subject to fees. Our definitions of assets under management andfee-earning assets under management are not based on any definition of assets under management andfee-earning assets under management that is set forth in the agreements governing the investment funds that we manage.

For our carry funds, total assets under management includes the fair value of the investments held, whereasfee-earning assets under management includes the amount of capital commitments, the remaining amount of invested capital at cost depending on whether the investment period has or has not expired or the fee terms of the fund. As such,fee-earning assets under management may be greater than total assets under management when the aggregate fair value of the remaining investments is less than the cost of those investments.

Perpetual Capital.Perpetual Capital refers to the component of assets under management with an indefinite term, that is not in liquidation, and for which there is no requirement to return capital to investors through redemption requests in the ordinary course of business, except where funded by new capital inflows. Perpetual Capital includesco-investment capital with an investor right to convert into Perpetual Capital.

Limited Partner Capital Invested. Limited Partner Capital Invested represents the aggregate amount of Limited Partnerthird party capital commitments which wereinvested by our funds and vehicles, including investments closed but not yet funded by investors during each period presented, including (a) capital invested by our carry and drawdown funds during each period presented, plus theand vehicles, (b) certain perpetual capital invested including undistributed proceeds that are reinvested, and (c) capital invested throughco-investmentsfee-payingco-investments arranged by us that were made by limited partnersthird parties in investments of our carry and perpetual funds on which we receive management fees, Performance Allocations or Incentive Fees.and vehicles.

TheDry Powder.Dry Powder represents the amount of committed undrawn capital available for investment or reinvestment, including general partner and employee commitments,capital, is known as dry powder and is an indicator of the capital we have available for future investments.

Performance Revenue Eligible Assets Under Management.Performance Revenue Eligible Assets Under Management represents invested and to be invested capital at fair value, including capital closed for funds whose investment period has not yet commenced, on which performance fees could be earned if certain hurdles are met.

Consolidated Results of Operations

Following is a discussion of our consolidated results of operations for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017. For a more detailed discussion of the factors that affected the results of our four business segments (which are presented on a basis that deconsolidates the investment funds we manage) in these periods, see “— Segment Analysis”.

The following table sets forth information regarding our consolidated results of operations and certain key operating metrics for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017:

 

  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2018 vs. 2017  Three Months Ended
September 30,
 2018 vs. 2017 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2018 vs. 2017 
  2018 2017 $ %  2018 2017 $ % 2018 2017 $ % 
  (Dollars in Thousands)  (Dollars in Thousands) 

Revenues

             

Management and Advisory Fees, Net

  $728,849  $645,484  $83,365   13 $780,009  $685,922  $94,087   14 $2,230,242  $2,022,263  $207,979   10
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Incentive Fees

   12,566   46,511   (33,945  -73  9,799   35,513   (25,714)   -72  41,743   122,327   (80,584)   -66
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Investment Income (Loss)

     

Investment Income

        

Performance Allocations

             

Realized

   269,640   1,111,905   (842,265  -76  592,103   434,982   157,121   36  1,365,119   2,149,549   (784,430)   -36

Unrealized

   628,089   (124,621  752,710   N/M   299,238   406,649   (107,411)   -26  1,367,678   377,560   990,118   262

Principal Investments

             

Realized

   42,145   251,344   (209,199  -83  134,619   74,805   59,814   80  305,961   451,207   (145,246)   -32

Unrealized

   111,774   (40,188  151,962   N/M   52,840   96,085   (43,245)   -45  268,082   63,172   204,910   324
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Investment Income

   1,051,648   1,198,440   (146,792  -12  1,078,800   1,012,521   66,279   7  3,306,840   3,041,488   265,352   9
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Interest and Dividend Revenue

   35,385   28,495   6,890   24  48,604   36,974   11,630   31  124,062   99,172   24,890   25

Other

   (59,317  (4,212  (55,105  N/M   9,368   (35,572)   44,940   N/M   625,394   (99,448)   724,842   N/M 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Revenues

   1,769,131   1,914,718   (145,587  -8  1,926,580   1,735,358   191,222   11  6,328,281   5,185,802   1,142,479   22
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Expenses

             

Compensation and Benefits

             

Compensation

   389,403   351,589   37,814   11  419,285   359,209   60,076   17  1,236,167   1,078,001   158,166   15

Incentive Fee Compensation

   6,662   22,465   (15,803  -70  7,251   18,332   (11,081)   -60  23,656   61,829   (38,173)   -62

Performance Allocations Compensation

             

Realized

   112,062   366,478   (254,416  -69  200,442   162,505   37,937   23  498,902   724,721   (225,819)   -31

Unrealized

   254,435   7,533   246,902   N/M   178,184   175,534   2,650   2  622,610   269,977   352,633   131
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Compensation and Benefits

   762,562   748,065   14,497   2  805,162   715,580   89,582   13  2,381,335   2,134,528   246,807   12

General, Administrative and Other

   126,713   109,386   17,327   16  168,813   121,036   47,777   39  441,354   349,974   91,380   26

Interest Expense

   38,671   40,246   (1,575  -4  41,355   41,545   (190)   -0  119,346   122,880   (3,534)   -3

Fund Expenses

   54,985   24,076   30,909   128  2,302   26,350   (24,048)   -91  74,909   100,095   (25,186)   -25
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Expenses

   982,931   921,773   61,158   7  1,017,632   904,511   113,121   13  3,016,944   2,707,477   309,467   11
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Other Income

             

Net Gains from Fund Investment Activities

   110,599   66,132   44,467   67  66,838   63,448   3,390   5  250,956   239,634   11,322   5
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Income Before Provision for Taxes

   896,799   1,059,077   (162,278  -15  975,786   894,295   81,491   9  3,562,293   2,717,959   844,334   31

Provision for Taxes

   54,495   57,437   (2,942  -5  26,798   59,512   (32,714)   -55  220,024   146,557   73,467   50
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net Income

   842,304   1,001,640   (159,336  -16  948,988   834,783   114,205   14  3,342,269   2,571,402   770,867   30

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to RedeemableNon-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

   (1,275  2,000   (3,275  N/M 

Net Income Attributable to
RedeemableNon-Controlling
Interests in Consolidated Entities

  2,569   3,215   (646)   -20  2,199   6,206   (4,007)   -65

Net Income Attributable toNon-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

   155,499   138,685   16,814   12  143,101   113,446   29,655   26  427,678   365,075   62,603   17

Net Income Attributable toNon-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings

   320,208   409,046   (88,838  -22  360,576   340,202   20,374   6  1,359,736   1,032,885   326,851   32
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net Income Attributable to The Blackstone Group L.P.

  $367,872  $451,909  $(84,037  -19 $442,742  $377,920  $64,822   17 $1,552,656  $1,167,236  $385,420   33
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

N/M    Not meaningful.

Three Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2018 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2017

Revenues

Total Revenues were $1.8 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2018, a decrease of $145.6 million compared to $1.9 billion for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, an increase of $191.2 million compared to $1.7 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The decreaseincrease in Total Revenues was primarily attributable to decreasesincreases of $146.8$94.1 million in Management and Advisory Fees, Net, $66.3 million in Investment Income $55.1and $44.9 million in Other Revenue, and $33.9partially offset by a decrease of $25.7 million in Incentive Fees, partially offset by anFees.

The increase in Management and Advisory Fees, Net was primarily due to increases in our Real Estate and Private Equity segments of $83.4 million.$51.1 million and $32.2 million, respectively. The increase in our Real Estate segment was primarily due to AUM growth in our core+ real estate funds and the launch of BREP Asia II in the fourth quarter of 2017, partially offset by a decrease due to the expiration of the BREP VI fund term. The increase in our Private Equity segment was primarily attributable to the launch of BCP Asia and the third vintage of Tactical Opportunities.

The decreaseincrease in Investment Income was primarily attributable to decreases in our Real Estate, Credit and Hedge Fund Solutions segments of $152.4 million, $29.0 million and $28.9 million, respectively, partially offset by an increase in our Private Equity segment of $59.2 million.$389.6 million, partially offset by decreases in our Real Estate and Credit segments of $271.7 million and $49.3 million, respectively. The increase in our Private Equity segment was primarily due to corporate private equity. Corporate private equity carrying value increased 7.5% in the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to 3.3% in the three months ended September 30, 2017. The decrease in our Real Estate segment was primarily attributable to lower net appreciation of investment holdings in our BREP opportunistic funds compared to the comparable quarterperiod in 2017. The carrying value of investments for our BREP opportunistic funds increased 3.5% versus 5.7%3.0% in the comparable quarterthree months ended September 30, 2018 compared to 5.5% in the three months ended September 30, 2017. The decrease in our Credit segment was primarily attributable to lower returns in our performing credit strategies and distressed strategies.

The increase in Other Revenue was primarily due to foreign exchange gain on our euro denominated bonds.

The decrease in Incentive Fees was primarily attributable to a decrease in our Credit segment of $19.5 million, primarily due to the conclusion of oursub-advisory relationship with FS Investments.

Expenses

Expenses were $1.0 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $113.1 million compared to $904.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The increase was primarily attributable to increases in Performance Allocations Compensation and Compensation, partially offset by decreases in Fund Expenses and Incentive Fee Compensation. The increase of $40.6 million in Performance Allocations Compensation was primarily due to the increase in Investment Income. The increase of $60.1 million in Compensation was due to the increase in Management and Advisory Fees, Net, on which a portion of compensation is based, as well as an increase in headcount in our infrastructure initiative, the acquisition of Harvest and the launch of BIS. The decrease of $24.0 million in Fund Expenses was due to a decrease of $24.5 million in our Credit segment primarily from the deconsolidation of certain CLO and other vehicles in 2018. The decrease of $11.1 million in Incentive Fee Compensation was primarily due to the conclusion of oursub-advisory relationship with FS Investments, on which a portion of Incentive Fee Compensation is based.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

Revenues

Revenues were $6.3 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $1.1 billion compared to $5.2 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase in Revenues was primarily attributable to increases of $724.8 million in Other Revenue, $265.4 million in Investment Income and $208.0 million in Management and Advisory Fees, Net, partially offset by a decrease of $80.6 million in Incentive Fees.

The increase in Other Revenue was primarily due to the fixed payment we received in connection with the conclusion of oursub-advisory relationship with FS Investments’ funds and a foreign exchange gain on our euro denominated bonds.

The increase in Investment Income was primarily attributable to increases in our Private Equity and Credit segments of $988.6 million and $23.0 million, respectively, partially offset by decreases in our Real Estate and Hedge Fund Solutions segments of $727.2 million and $45.4 million, respectively. The increase in our Private Equity segment was due to corporate private equity. Corporate private equity carrying value increased 23.4% in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to 12.1% in the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase in our Credit segment was primarily attributable to higher returns in our performing credit strategies, and distressed strategies. The decrease in our Real Estate segment was primarily attributable to lower net appreciation of investment holdings in our BREP opportunistic funds compared to the comparable period in 2017. The carrying value of investments for our BREP opportunistic funds increased 9.2% in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to 15.0% in the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The decrease in our Hedge Fund Solutions segment was due to lower returns across the segment compared to the first three monthscomparable quarter of 2017. The increase in our Private Equity segment was due to Strategic Partners and Tactical Opportunities. Strategic Partners carrying value increased 6.9% in the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to 4.6% in the three months ended March 31, 2017. Tactical Opportunities carrying value increased 5.2% in the three months ended March 31, 2018 versus 3.6% in the three months ended March 31, 2017.

The decrease in Other Revenue was primarily the result of foreign exchange loss on our euro denominated bonds.

The decrease in Incentive Fees was primarily attributable to a decrease in our Credit segment of $29.5 million. The decrease in our Credit segment was primarily attributable to a decrease in Incentive Fees due to a contractual agreement with FS Investments pursuant to which, in connection with the conclusion of our sub-advisory relationship with respect to our BDCs, we received a fixed payment in the quarter and did not otherwise receive Incentive Fees.

The increase in Management and Advisory Fees, Net was primarily due to increases in our Credit and Real Estate, Private Equity and Credit segments of $43.1$114.2 million, $55.1 million and $32.3$28.8 million, respectively. The increase in our Credit segment was primarily attributable to an increase in Management Fees due to a contractual agreement with FS Investments pursuant to which, in connection with the conclusion of our sub-advisory relationship with respect to our BDCs, we received a fixed payment in the quarter, as well as the acquisition of Harvest. The increase in our Real Estate segment was primarily due to AUM growth in our core+ real estate funds and the launch of BREP Europe V in the fourth quarter of 2016 (and the corresponding expiration of its fee holiday in the second quarter of 2017). and the launch of BREP Asia II in the fourth quarter of 2017, partially offset by a decrease due to the expiration of the BREP VI fund term. The increase in our Private Equity segment was primarily attributable to the launch of BCP Asia and the third vintage of Tactical Opportunities. The increase in our Credit segment was primarily attributable to the acquisition of Harvest and launch of BIS, partially offset by the conclusion of oursub-advisory relationship with FS Investments.

The decrease in Incentive Fees was primarily attributable to a decrease in our Credit segment of $76.7 million. The decrease in our Credit segment was primarily attributable to the conclusion of oursub-advisory relationship with FS Investments.

Expenses

Expenses were $982.9 million$3.0 billion for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, an increase of $61.2$309.5 million compared to $921.8 million$2.7 billion for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2017. The increase was primarily attributable to increases in Compensation and Fund Expenses,Performance Allocations Compensation, partially offset by a decreasedecreases in Incentive Fee Compensation.Compensation and Fund Expenses. The increase of $37.8$158.2 million in Compensation was primarily due to the increase in Management and Advisory Fees, Net, on which a portion of compensation is based.based, as well as an increase in headcount in our infrastructure initiative, the acquisition of Harvest and the launch of BIS. The increase of $30.9$126.8 million in Fund ExpensesPerformance Allocations Compensation was primarily due to anthe increase of $30.2 million in our Credit segment primarily from newly launched CLOs and certain long only strategies.Investment Income. The decrease of $15.8$38.2 million in Incentive Fee Compensation was primarily due to the decrease in Realized Incentive Fees in our Credit segment, on which a portion of Incentive Fee Compensation is based. The decrease of $25.2 million in Fund Expenses was due to a decrease of $23.1 million in our Credit segment primarily from the deconsolidation of certain CLO and other vehicles in 2018.

Other Income

Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2017

Other Income was $110.6$66.8 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, an increase of $44.5$3.4 million compared to $66.1$63.4 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2017. The increase in Other Income was due to an

increase in Net Gains from Fund Investment Activities. The increase in Other Income Net GainsGain from Fund Investment Activities was principally driven by anincreases of $13.7 million in our Credit segment and $11.1 million

in our Private Equity segment, partially offset by a decrease of $18.1 million in our Real Estate segment. The increase in our Credit segment of $52.3 millionwas primarily fromdriven by newly launched CLOs in 2018 and a quarter over quarter net increase in appreciation of CLOs, partially offset by the deconsolidation of certain long only strategies.CLO and other vehicles in 2018. The increase in our Private Equity segment was primarily due to a quarter over quarter net increase in the appreciation of investments across the Private Equity funds. The decrease in our Real Estate segment was primarily due to a year over year net decrease in the appreciation of investments in our BREP opportunistic funds.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

Other Income was $251.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $11.3 million compared to $239.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase in Other Income was due to an increase in Net Gains from Fund Investment Activities. The increase in Other Income – Net Gain from Fund Investment Activities was principally driven by increases of $31.7 million in our Private Equity segment and $23.7 million in our Credit segment, partially offset by a decrease of $35.0 million in our Real Estate segment. The increase in our Private Equity segment was primarily due to a year over year net increase in the appreciation of investments across the Private Equity funds. The increase in our Credit segment was primarily driven by newly launched CLOs, partially offset by the deconsolidation of certain CLO and other vehicles in 2018. The decrease in our Real Estate segment was primarily due to a year over year net decrease in the appreciation of investments in our BREP opportunistic funds.

Provision for Taxes

The following table summarizes Blackstone’s tax position:

 

  Three Months Ended
March 31,
   Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
  2018 2017   2018 2017 2018 2017 

Income Before Provision for Taxes

  $896,799  $1,059,077   $975,786  $894,295  $3,562,293  $2,717,959 

Provision for Taxes

  $54,495  $57,437   $26,798  $59,512  $220,024  $146,557 

Effective Income Tax Rate

   6.1  5.4   2.7  6.7  6.2  5.4

The following table reconciles the effective income tax rate to the U.S. federal statutory tax rate:

 

  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2018
vs.
   Three Months Ended
September 30,
 2018
vs.
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2018
vs.
 
      2018         2017     2017       2018         2017         2017         2018         2017         2017     

Statutory U.S. Federal Income Tax Rate

   21.0  35.0  -14.0   21.0  35.0  -14.0  21.0  35.0  -14.0

Income Passed Through to Common Unitholders andNon-Controlling Interest Holders (a)

   -16.3  -30.3  14.0   -17.2  -27.8  10.6  -15.8  -29.1  13.3

State and Local Income Taxes

   1.7  1.2  0.5   0.3  1.3  -1.0  1.5  1.1  0.4

Other

   -0.3  -0.5  0.2   -1.4  -1.8  0.4  -0.5  -1.6  1.1
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Effective Income Tax Rate

   6.1  5.4  0.7   2.7  6.7  -4.0  6.2  5.4  0.8
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

(a)

Includes income that is not taxable to the Partnership and its subsidiaries. Such income is directly taxable to the Partnership’s unitholders and thenon-controlling interest holders.

Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2017

Blackstone’s Provision for Taxes for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017 was $54.5$26.8 million and $57.4$59.5 million, respectively. This resulted in an effective tax rate of 6.1%2.7% and 5.4%6.7%, respectively.

The increaseTax Reform Bill enacted in Blackstone’slate 2017 reduced the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. The decrease in the effective tax rate from the rate reduction was partially offset by the corresponding reduction in the benefit for the exclusion of income passed through to common unitholders andnon-controlling interests resulting in an overall decrease in the effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 compared towith the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2017.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

Blackstone’s Provision for Taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 was $220.0 million and $146.6 million, respectively. This resulted primarilyin an effective tax rate of 6.2% and 5.4%, respectively.

The Tax Reform Bill enacted in late 2017 reduced the federal corporate income tax rate from an unrecognized tax benefit included35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. The decrease in the threeeffective tax rate from the rate reduction was mostly offset by the corresponding reduction in the benefit for the exclusion of income passed through to common unitholders andnon-controlling interests resulting in an overall increase in the effective tax rate for the nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 related to an ongoing tax audit.compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

All factors are expected to impact the effective tax rate for future years.

Additional information regarding our income taxes can be found in Note 14.13. “Income Taxes” in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” in “Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements” of this filing.

Non-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities

The Net Income Attributable to RedeemableNon-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities and Net Income Attributable toNon-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities is attributable to the consolidated Blackstone Funds. The amounts of these items vary directly with the performance of the consolidated Blackstone Funds and largely eliminate the amount of Other Income  Net Gains from Fund Investment Activities from the Net Income Attributable to The Blackstone Group L.P.

Net Income Attributable toNon-Controlling Interests in Blackstone Holdings is derived from the Income Before Provision for Taxes, excluding the Net Gains from Fund Investment Activities and the percentage allocation of the income between Blackstone Holdings and The Blackstone Group L.P. after considering any contractual

arrangements that govern the allocation of income such as fees allocable to The Blackstone Group L.P.

For the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Net Income Before Taxes allocated to Blackstone Holdings was 44.4%43.7% and 45.3%44.8%, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the net income before taxes allocated to Blackstone Holdings was 44.0% and 45.0%, respectively. The decreasedecreases of 0.9% was1.1% in the three month period and 1.0% in the nine month period were primarily due to conversions of Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units to Blackstone common units and the vesting of common units.

The Other Income — Reduction of Tax Receivable Agreement Liability was entirely allocated to The Blackstone Group L.P.

Operating Metrics

The following graphs and tables summarize theFee-Earning Assets Under Management by Segment and Total Assets Under Management by Segment, followed by a rollforward of activity for the three and nine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017. For a description of how Assets Under Management andFee-Earning Assets Under Management are determined, please see “— Key Financial Measures and Indicators — Operating Metrics — Assets Under Management andFee-Earning Assets Under Management”:

 

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Note:

Totals may not add due to rounding.

 Three Months Ended  Three Months Ended 
 March 31, 2018 March 31, 2017  September 30, 2018 September 30, 2017 
 Private
Equity
 Real
Estate
 Hedge Fund
Solutions
 Credit Total Private
Equity
 Real
Estate
 Hedge Fund
Solutions
 Credit Total  Private
Equity
 Real
Estate
 Hedge Fund
Solutions
 Credit Total Private
Equity
 Real
Estate
 Hedge Fund
Solutions
 Credit Total 
 (Dollars in Thousands)  (Dollars in Thousands) 

Fee-Earning Assets Under Management

                    

Balance, Beginning of Period

 $70,140,883  $83,984,824  $69,914,061  $111,304,230  $335,343,998  $69,110,457  $72,030,054  $66,987,553  $68,964,608  $277,092,672  $78,045,697  $88,776,501  $71,889,290  $94,266,657  $332,978,145  $68,029,670  $73,710,243  $67,824,464  $72,370,134  $281,934,511 

Inflows, including Commitments (a)

  3,404,314   3,550,277   3,816,386   5,552,133   16,323,110   1,109,529   2,125,293   3,183,304   5,446,145   11,864,271   2,213,913   3,619,799   3,281,639   7,588,255   16,703,606   578,462   2,039,360   1,563,231   4,311,515   8,492,568 

Outflows, including Distributions (b)

  (469,395  (210,591  (902,301  (2,044,670  (3,626,957  (4,693  (96,512  (2,269,260  (811,194  (3,181,659  (477,894  (208,373  (1,482,849  (1,547,917  (3,717,033  (77,054  (310,235  (1,329,425  (805,042  (2,521,756

Realizations (c)

  (736,274  (1,494,226  (55,755  (1,994,576  (4,280,831  (2,163,020  (2,779,662  (447,124  (2,796,816  (8,186,622  (1,585,310  (2,335,870  (66,874  (2,241,691  (6,229,745  (1,110,822  (1,257,364  (79,094  (2,711,900  (5,159,180
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net Inflows (Outflows)

  2,198,645   1,845,460   2,858,330   1,512,887   8,415,322   (1,058,184  (750,881  466,920   1,838,135   495,990   150,709   1,075,556   1,731,916   3,798,647   6,756,828   (609,414  471,761   154,712   794,573   811,632 

Market Appreciation (Depreciation) (d)(f)

  58,887   1,454,294   798,107   (1,419,811  891,477   175,013   625,568   1,358,055   468,253   2,626,889   (1,334  920,678   937,393   669,413   2,526,150   117,806   899,517   1,058,785   876,174   2,952,282 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Balance, End of Period

 $72,398,415  $87,284,578  $73,570,498  $111,397,306  $344,650,797  $68,227,286  $71,904,741  $68,812,528  $71,270,996  $280,215,551  $78,195,072  $90,772,735  $74,558,599  $98,734,717  $342,261,123  $67,538,062  $75,081,521  $69,037,961  $74,040,881  $285,698,425 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Increase (Decrease)

 $2,257,532  $3,299,754  $3,656,437  $93,076  $9,306,799  $(883,171 $(125,313 $1,824,975  $2,306,388  $3,122,879  $149,375  $1,996,234  $2,669,309  $4,468,060  $9,282,978  $(491,608 $1,371,278  $1,213,497  $1,670,747  $3,763,914 

Increase (Decrease)

  3  4  5  0  3  -1  -0  3  3  1  0  2  4  5  3  -1  2  2  2  1

Annualized Base Management Fee Rate (e)

  1.01  1.04  0.70  0.60  0.82  1.04  1.10  0.75  0.79  0.92
 Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
 March 31, 2018 March 31, 2017  September 30, 2018 September 30, 2017 
 Private
Equity
 Real
Estate
 Hedge Fund
Solutions
 Credit Total Private
Equity
 Real
Estate
 Hedge Fund
Solutions
 Credit Total  Private
Equity
 Real
Estate
 Hedge Fund
Solutions
 Credit Total Private
Equity
 Real
Estate
 Hedge Fund
Solutions
 Credit Total 
 (Dollars in Thousands)  (Dollars in Thousands) 

Total Assets Under Management

          

Fee-Earning Assets Under Management

          

Balance, Beginning of Period

 $105,560,576  $115,340,363  $75,090,834  $138,136,470  $434,128,243  $100,189,994  $101,963,652  $71,119,718  $93,280,101  $366,553,465  $70,140,883  $83,984,824  $69,914,061  $111,304,230  $335,343,998  $69,110,457  $72,030,054  $66,987,553  $68,964,608  $277,092,672 

Inflows, including Commitments (a)

  3,534,463   3,622,876   3,940,614   7,081,405   18,179,358   2,623,672   3,329,484   3,640,680   4,363,214   13,957,050   12,675,628   13,108,067   9,477,141   18,719,427   53,980,263   3,907,982   7,540,881   6,551,829   14,704,113   32,704,805 

Outflows, including Distributions (b)

  (378,660  (148,161  (1,126,689  (1,960,217  (3,613,727  (222,876  (210,125  (2,501,738  (2,087,192  (5,021,931  (1,565,169  (1,800,831  (6,740,849  (25,141,026  (35,247,875  (1,196,502  (505,558  (6,928,753  (2,545,889  (11,176,702

Realizations (c)

  (1,041,784  (2,666,715  (56,072  (2,492,284  (6,256,855  (6,167,300  (6,684,804  (503,191  (3,262,535  (16,617,830  (3,321,845  (6,289,487  (222,751  (5,650,666  (15,484,749  (4,674,190  (6,408,375  (702,786  (8,785,664  (20,571,015
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net Inflows (Outflows)

  2,114,019   808,000   2,757,853   2,628,904   8,308,776   (3,766,504  (3,565,445  635,751   (986,513  (7,682,711  7,788,614   5,017,749   2,513,541   (12,072,265  3,247,639   (1,962,710  626,948   (1,079,710  3,372,560   957,088 

Market Appreciation (Depreciation) (d)(g)

  3,739,619   3,427,521   808,864   (799,197  7,176,807   3,283,567   3,672,723   1,547,912   821,961   9,326,163   265,575   1,770,162   2,130,997   (497,248  3,669,486   390,315   2,424,519   3,130,118   1,703,713   7,648,665 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Balance, End of Period

 $111,414,214  $119,575,884  $78,657,551  $139,966,177  $449,613,826  $99,707,057  $102,070,930  $73,303,381  $93,115,549  $368,196,917  $78,195,072  $90,772,735  $74,558,599  $98,734,717  $342,261,123  $67,538,062  $75,081,521  $69,037,961  $74,040,881  $285,698,425 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Increase (Decrease)

 $5,853,638  $4,235,521  $3,566,717  $1,829,707  $15,485,583  $(482,937 $107,278  $2,183,663  $(164,552 $1,643,452  $8,054,189  $6,787,911  $4,644,538  $(12,569,513 $6,917,125  $(1,572,395 $3,051,467  $2,050,408  $5,076,273  $8,605,753 

Increase (Decrease)

  6  4  5  1  4  0  0  3  0  0  11  8  7  -11  2  -2  4  3  7  3

Annualized Base Management Fee Rate (e)

  1.05  1.12  0.70  0.54  0.84  1.08  1.19  0.75  0.72  0.94

  Three Months Ended 
  September 30, 2018  September 30, 2017 
  Private
Equity
  Real
Estate
  Hedge Fund
Solutions
  Credit  Total  Private
Equity
  Real
Estate
  Hedge Fund
Solutions
  Credit  Total 
  (Dollars in Thousands) 

Total Assets Under Management

          

Balance, Beginning of Period

 $119,524,518  $119,399,973  $77,403,078  $123,059,087  $439,386,656  $100,019,716  $104,034,287  $72,476,444  $94,525,834  $371,056,281 

Inflows, including Commitments (a)

  6,997,499   2,609,037   3,702,238   10,757,146   24,065,920   3,248,138   6,435,310   2,412,443   7,602,999   19,698,890 

Outflows, including Distributions (b)

  (346,209  (734,945  (1,993,964  (1,672,101  (4,747,219  (155,410  (202,085  (1,683,872  (883,424  (2,924,791

Realizations (c)

  (4,033,482  (4,039,437  (70,986  (2,574,741  (10,718,646  (2,392,756  (3,084,117  (101,503  (3,243,203  (8,821,579
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Inflows (Outflows)

  2,617,808   (2,165,345  1,637,288   6,510,304   8,600,055   699,972   3,149,108   627,068   3,476,372   7,952,520 

Market Appreciation (d)(h)

  4,042,042   2,707,401   964,770   990,908   8,705,121   1,734,291   4,115,449   1,116,051   1,475,154   8,440,945 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance, End of Period

 $126,184,368  $119,942,029  $80,005,136  $130,560,299  $456,691,832  $102,453,979  $111,298,844  $74,219,563  $99,477,360  $387,449,746 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Increase

 $6,659,850  $542,056  $2,602,058  $7,501,212  $17,305,176  $2,434,263  $7,264,557  $1,743,119  $4,951,526  $16,393,465 

Increase

  6  0  3  6  4  2  7  2  5  4
  Nine Months Ended 
  September 30, 2018  September 30, 2017 
  Private
Equity
  Real
Estate
  Hedge Fund
Solutions
  Credit  Total  Private
Equity
  Real
Estate
  Hedge Fund
Solutions
  Credit  Total 
  (Dollars in Thousands) 

Total Assets Under Management

          

Balance, Beginning of Period

 $105,560,576  $115,340,363  $75,090,834  $138,136,470  $434,128,243  $100,189,994  $101,963,652  $71,119,718  $93,280,101  $366,553,465 

Inflows, including Commitments (a)

  16,814,684   11,356,304   10,637,875   23,525,665   62,334,528   7,603,363   12,964,567   8,022,108   17,137,386   45,727,424 

Outflows, including Distributions (b)

  (1,126,165  (1,885,608  (7,665,062  (25,280,144  (35,956,979  (665,409  (1,279,329  (7,546,464  (4,106,393  (13,597,595

Realizations (c)

  (7,133,993  (11,033,062  (253,073  (6,858,577  (25,278,705  (11,355,668  (14,333,301  (790,623  (10,056,112  (36,535,704
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Inflows (Outflows)

  8,554,526   (1,562,366  2,719,740   (8,613,056  1,098,844   (4,417,714  (2,648,063  (314,979  2,974,881   (4,405,875

Market Appreciation (d)(i)

  12,069,266   6,164,032   2,194,562   1,036,885   21,464,745   6,681,699   11,983,255   3,414,824   3,222,378   25,302,156 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance, End of Period

 $126,184,368  $119,942,029  $80,005,136  $130,560,299  $456,691,832  $102,453,979  $111,298,844  $74,219,563  $99,477,360  $387,449,746 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Increase (Decrease)

 $20,623,792  $4,601,666  $4,914,302  $(7,576,171 $22,563,589  $2,263,985  $9,335,192  $3,099,845  $6,197,259  $20,896,281 

Increase (Decrease)

  20  4  7  -5  5  2  9  4  7  6

 

(a)

Inflows represent contributions in our hedge funds andclosed-end mutual funds, increases in available capital for our carry funds (capital raises, recallable capital and increasedside-by-side commitments) and CLOs, increases in the capital we manage pursuant to separately managed account programs, allocations from multi-asset products to other strategies and acquisitions.

(b)

Outflows represent redemptions in our hedge funds andclosed-end mutual funds, client withdrawals from our separately managed account programs and decreases in available capital for our carry funds (expired capital, expense drawdowns and decreasedside-by-side commitments).

(c)

Realizations represent realizations from the disposition of assets or capital returned to investors from CLOs.

(d)

Market appreciation (depreciation) includes realized and unrealized gains (losses) on portfolio investments and the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations.

(e)

Represents the annualized current quarter’s Base Management Fee divided by period endFee-Earning Assets Under Management.

(f)

For the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, the impact toFee-Earning Assets Under Management due to foreign exchange rate fluctuations was $632.5$138.8 million, $396.9$(135.7) million and $1.0 billion$3.1 million for the Real Estate, Credit and Total segments, respectively. For the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2017, such impact was $1.7$481.4 million, $275.5 million, $160.8$383.9 million and $438.0$865.4 million for the Real Estate, Credit and Total segments, respectively.

(g)

For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the impact toFee-Earning Assets Under Management due to foreign exchange rate fluctuations was $(572.6) million, $(436.2) million and $(1.0) billion for the Real Estate, Credit and Total segments, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, such impact was $1.3 million, $1.3 billion, $1.2 billion and $2.5 billion for the Private Equity, Real Estate, Credit and Total segments, respectively.

(g)(h)

For the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, the impact to Total Assets Under Management due to foreign exchange rate fluctuations was $473.1$(80.5) million, $1.1 billion, $442.8$(155.3) million, $(116.4) million and $2.1 billion$(352.2) million for the Private Equity, Real Estate, Credit and Total segments, respectively. For the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2017, such impact was $242.1$233.8 million, $546.2 million, $203.8$1.3 billion, $494.3 million and $992.1 million$2.0 billion for the Private Equity, Real Estate, Credit and Total segments, respectively.

(i)

For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the impact to Total Assets Under Management due to foreign exchange rate fluctuations was $(350.7) million, $(1.7) billion, $(556.3) million and $(2.6) billion for the Private Equity, Real Estate, Credit and Total segments, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, such impact was $839.8 million, $3.0 billion, $1.6 billion and $5.4 billion for the Private Equity, Real Estate, Credit and Total segments, respectively.

Fee-Earning Assets Under Management

Fee-Earning Assets Under Management were $344.7$342.3 billion at March 31,September 30, 2018, an increase of $9.3 billion, compared to $333.0 billion at June 30, 2018. The net increase was due to:

Inflows of $16.7 billion related to:

$7.6 billion in our Credit segment driven by $3.1 billion from certain long only and MLP strategies, $2.1 billion of capital raised from new CLO launches and CLO refinancings, $1.5 billion from BIS, $929.4 million from our distressed strategies and $777.5 million from mezzanine funds, partially offset by $1.2 billion of allocations from insurance multi-asset products to other strategies,

$3.6 billion in our Real Estate segment driven by $1.8 billion from BREDS, $828.7 million from BREIT, $446.3 million from BPP U.S. andco-investment, $405.2 million from BPP Europe andco-investment and $117.6 million from BREP opportunistic funds andco-investment,

$3.3 billion in our Hedge Fund Solutions segment driven by $2.1 billion in customized solutions, $659.9 million in individual investor and specialized solutions and $557.7 million in commingled products, and

$2.2 billion in our Private Equity segment driven by $2.0 billion from Tactical Opportunities and $201.0 million from BIP.

Market appreciation of $2.5 billion due to:

$937.4 million appreciation in our Hedge Fund Solutions segment driven by returns from BAAM’s Principal Solutions Composite of 1.7% gross (1.5% net),

$920.7 million appreciation in our Real Estate segment driven by $769.5 million of appreciation from core+ real estate funds and $101.1 million of appreciation from BREDS, and

$669.4 million appreciation in our Credit segment driven by $805.0 million of appreciation from market activity ($966.6 million from long only and MLP strategies, offset by $116.3 million from CLOs) and foreign exchange depreciation of $135.7 million mainly related to CLOs and certain long only and MLP strategies.

Offsetting these increases were:

Realizations of $6.2 billion primarily driven by:

$2.3 billion in our Real Estate segment driven by $1.3 billion from BREP opportunistic funds andco-investment, $657.4 million from BREDS and $374.1 million from core+ real estate funds,

$2.2 billion in our Credit segment driven by $1.0 billion from distressed strategies, $647.0 million of capital returned to investors from CLOs that are post theirre-investment periods and $330.3 million from mezzanine funds, and

$1.6 billion in our Private Equity segment driven by $721.0 million from corporate private equity, $441.5 million from Strategic Partners and $423.0 million from Tactical Opportunities.

Outflows of $3.7 billion primarily attributable to:

$1.5 billion in our Credit segment driven by $858.0 million from certain long only and MLP strategies and $264.5 million from mezzanine funds, and

$1.5 billion in our Hedge Fund Solutions segment driven by $751.2 million from individual investor and specialized solutions and $700.4 million from customized solutions.

BAAM had net inflows of $793.6 million from October 1 through November 1, 2018.

Fee-Earning Assets Under Management were $342.3 billion at September 30, 2018, an increase of $6.9 billion, compared to $335.3 billion at December 31, 2017. The net increase was due to:

 

Inflows of $16.3$54.0 billion related to:

 

$5.618.7 billion in our Credit segment driven by $1.8$9.3 billion from certain long only and MLP strategies, $1.6$5.9 billion of capital raised from new CLO launches $1.2and CLO refinancings, $3.5 billion from BIS, and $609.8 million$2.5 billion from our distressed strategies and $1.5 billion from our mezzanine funds, partially offset by $4.3 billion of allocation from insurance multi-asset products to other strategies,

 

$3.813.1 billion in our Real Estate segment driven by $4.8 billion from BREDS, $2.2 billion from BPP U.S. andco-investment, $2.2 billion from BREIT, $1.8 billion from BPP Europe andco-investment and $1.7 billion from BREP opportunistic funds andco-investment,

$12.7 billion in our Private Equity segment driven by $4.9 billion from Tactical Opportunities, $4.7 billion from BIP, $863.8 million from corporate private equity, $819.7 million from multi-asset products, $742.5 million from core private equity and $629.6 million from Strategic Partners, and

$9.5 billion in our Hedge Fund Solutions segment mainly related to growthdriven by $5.1 billion in customized solutions, of $1.8$3.0 billion in individual investor and specialized solutions and $1.4 billion in commingled products.

Market appreciation of $3.7 billion due to:

$2.1 billion appreciation in our Hedge Fund Solutions segment driven by returns from BAAM’s Principal Solutions Composite of 4.4% gross (3.8% net),

$1.8 million appreciation in our Real Estate segment primarily driven by $1.7 billion of appreciation from core+ real estate funds ($2.1 billion from market appreciation offset by $370.9 million from foreign exchange depreciation), and

Partially offset by $497.2 million depreciation in our Credit segment driven by $61.0 million of depreciation from market activity ($1.0 billion from BIS, $380.0 million from CLOs and $159.2 million from distressed strategies, offset by $1.5 billion from certain long only and commingled productsMLP strategies) and foreign exchange depreciation of $423.8$436.2 million mainly related to CLOs, certain long only and MLP strategies and mezzanine funds.

Offsetting these increases were:

Outflows of $35.2 billion primarily attributable to:

 

$3.625.1 billion in our Credit segment driven by the conclusion of oursub-advisory relationship with FS Investments. The remaining outflows were mainly related to certain long only and MLP strategies,

$6.7 billion in our Hedge Fund Solutions segment driven by $3.2 billion from customized solutions, $2.1 billion from individual investor and specialized solutions and $1.5 billion from commingled products,

$1.8 billion in our Real Estate segment primarily driven by $985.1$787.0 million of uninvested capital at the close of a BPP separately managed account’s investment period and $655.4 million of redemptions from the second Asian opportunistic fund, $810.5 million from BPP Europe andco-investment, $622.5 million from BREIT, $399.6 million from BREDS $367.1 million from other BREP opportunisticliquids funds, andco-investment and $242.3 million from BPP U.S., and

 

$3.41.6 billion in our Private Equity segment primarily due to $1.7 billiondriven by $694.7 million from Tactical Opportunities, and $1.0 billion$533.3 million from multi-asset products.

Market appreciation of $891.5 million due to:

$1.5 billion in our Real Estate segment primarily due to $1.1 billion of appreciation from core+ real estate funds ($742.1products, $210.6 million from market appreciationcorporate private equity and $348.5$126.6 million from foreign exchange appreciation) and $284.1 million of appreciation from BREP opportunistic funds andco-investment, all of which was from foreign exchange appreciation,Strategic Partners.

$798.1 million appreciation in our Hedge Fund Solutions segment due to returns from BAAM’s Principal Solutions Composite of 1.3% gross (1.1% net), and

Partially offset by $1.4 billion depreciation in our Credit segment due to $724.0 million of depreciation from certain long only and MLP strategies ($878.0 million from market depreciation and $154.0 million from foreign exchange appreciation) and $554.8 million of depreciation from BIS, all of which was from market activity.

Offsetting these increases were:

 

Realizations of $4.3$15.5 billion primarily driven by:

 

$2.06.3 billion in our Real Estate segment driven by $3.1 billion from BREP opportunistic funds andco-investment, $2.2 billion from BREDS and $956.5 million from core+ real estate funds,

$5.7 billion in our Credit segment primarily due to $1.0driven by $2.4 billion of realizations from distressed strategies, $559.2 million$1.8 billion of capital returned to investors from CLOs that are post theirre-investment periods and $227.5 million of realizations from mezzanine funds,

$1.5 billion in our Real Estate segment primarily due to $779.2$825.9 million from BREP opportunistic funds andco-investment, $485.5 million from BREDS and $221.9 million from core+ real estatemezzanine funds, and

 

$736.3 million3.3 billion in our Private Equity segment primarily due to $470.9 milliondriven by $1.3 billion from Strategic Partners, $1.1 billion from Tactical Opportunities and $176.6$972.5 million from Tactical Opportunities.corporate private equity.

Outflows of $3.6 billion primarily attributable to:

$2.0 billion in our Credit segment primarily driven by investor liquidity needs and a shift in investor sentiment on credit. The primary outflows were $1.2 billion from certain long only and MLP strategies, and

$902.3 million in our Hedge Fund Solutions segment, reflecting investors’ liquidity needs and certain strategic shifts in their programs, with outflows of $644.0 million from individual investor and specialized solutions and $230.8 million from customized solutions.

BAAM had net inflows of $833.3 million from April 1 through May 1, 2018.

Total Assets Under Management

Total Assets Under Management were $449.6$456.7 billion at March 31,September 30, 2018, an increase of $15.5$17.3 billion, compared to $434.1$439.4 billion at December 31, 2017.June 30, 2018. The net increase was due to:

 

Inflows of $18.2$24.1 billion primarily related to:

 

$7.110.8 billion in our Credit segment primarily due to $2.0driven by $3.4 billion from distressed strategies, $2.0 billion fromcertain long only and MLP strategies, $1.6$2.1 billion of capital raised from CLO launches and $1.2CLO refinancings, $2.6 billion from the new direct lending platform, $2.2 billion from distressed strategies and $1.5 billion from BIS, partially offset by $1.2 billion of allocations from insurance multi-asset products to other strategies,

 

$3.97.0 billion in our Private Equity segment driven by $3.4 billion from corporate private equity, $3.1 billion from Tactical Opportunities and $419.3 million from BIP,

$3.7 billion in our Hedge Fund Solutions segment mainly related to growthdriven by $2.3 billion in customized solutions, of $1.8 billion,$785.8 million in individual investor and specialized solutions of $1.7 billion and $577.7 million in commingled products, of $430.4 million,and

$3.62.6 billion in our Real Estate segment primarily related to $1.2driven by $1.0 billion from the second Asian opportunistic fund, $690.9 million from BPP Europe andco-investment, $622.5BREDS, $828.7 million from BREIT, $459.5$413.7 million from BPP U.S. and $361.7co-investment, $181.7 million from BREDS,the BREP opportunistic funds andco-investment and $172.1 million from BPP Europe.

 

$3.5 billion in our Private Equity segment primarily related to $1.9 billion from Tactical Opportunities, $786.1 million from Strategic Partners, $460.1 million from multi-asset products and $398.2 million from corporate private equity.

Market appreciation of $7.2$8.7 billion due to:

 

$3.74.0 billion appreciation in our Private Equity segment primarily due todriven by carrying value increasesincrease in corporate private equity, Tactical Opportunities and Strategic Partners of 7.5%, 3.7% and Tactical Opportunities of 6.4%, 6.9% and 5.2%1.4%, respectively, which includes $473.1included $80.5 million of foreign exchange appreciationdepreciation across the segment,

 

$3.42.7 billion appreciation in our Real Estate segment due to a carrying value increase in ourdriven by $1.5 billion of appreciation from BREP opportunistic funds andco-investment ($1.7 billion from market appreciation offset by $233.2 million of foreign exchange depreciation), $809.7 million of appreciation from core+ real estate funds and $422.9 million of 3.5% and 3.4%, respectively, which includesappreciation from BREDS,

$990.9 million appreciation in our Credit segment driven by $1.1 billion of appreciation from market activity ($1.0 billion from long only and MLP strategies), partially offset by foreign exchange appreciation across the segment,deprecation of $116.4 million, and

 

$808.9964.8 million appreciation in our Hedge Fund Solutions segment primarily due todriven by reasons noted above inFee-Earning Assets Under Management, andManagement.

Partially offset by $799.2 million depreciation in our Credit segment due to $708.3 million of depreciation from certain long only and MLP strategies ($881.8 million from market deprecation and $173.5 million from foreign exchange appreciation) and $554.8 million of depreciation from BIS, all of which was from market activity.

Total Assets Under Management market appreciation (depreciation) in our Private Equity and Real Estate segments generally represents the change in fair value of the investments held and typically exceeds theFee-Earning Assets Under Management market appreciation (depreciation).

Offsetting these increases were:

 

Realizations of $6.3$10.7 billion primarily driven by:

 

$2.74.0 billion in our Real Estate segment due to realizations of $1.9driven by $3.3 billion from BREP opportunistic funds andco-investment, $477.6$342.0 million from BREDS and $256.4$416.4 million from core+ real estate funds,

 

$4.0 billion in our Private Equity segment driven by continued disposition activity across the segment, mainly related to $2.7 billion from corporate private equity, $793.0 million from Strategic Partners and $535.4 million from Tactical Opportunities, and

$2.52.6 billion in our Credit segment due to realizations of $1.3driven by $1.2 billion from our distressed strategies, $559.2$647.0 million from capital returned to investors from CLOs that are post theirre-investment periods and $380.9$460.9 million from our mezzanine strategies, andfunds.

$1.0 billion in our Private Equity segment primarily due to continued disposition activity across the segment, mainly $465.8 million from Strategic Partners, $354.5 million from corporate private equity and $221.5 million from Tactical Opportunities.

Total Assets Under Management realizations in our Private Equity and Real Estate segments generally representsrepresent the total proceeds and typically exceedsexceed theFee-Earning Assets Under Management realizations which generally representsrepresent only the invested capital.

 

Outflows of $3.6$4.7 billion primarily attributable to:

 

$2.0 billion in our Hedge Fund Solutions segment driven by $1.2 billion from individual investor and specialized solutions and $739.1 million from customized solutions,

$1.7 billion in our Credit segment primarily duedriven by $895.6 million related to $1.3 billion from ourcertain long only and MLP strategies, and $385.2$307.8 million from the refinancing of CLOs and $278.5 million from mezzanine funds, and

$734.9 million in our Real Estate segment driven by redemptions from the BREDS liquid funds and the expiration of the BREP VI fund term.

Total Assets Under Management were $456.7 billion at September 30, 2018, an increase of $22.6 billion, compared to $434.1 billion at December 31, 2017. The net increase was due to:

Inflows of $62.3 billion related to:

$23.5 billion in our Credit segment driven by $9.9 billion from certain long only and MLP strategies, $6.0 billion of capital raised from CLO launches and CLO refinancings, $5.2 billion from distressed strategies, $3.5 billion from BIS, $2.6 billion from our new direct lending platform and $546.0 million from mezzanine funds, partially offset by $4.3 billion of allocations from insurance multi-asset products to other strategies,

$16.8 billion in our Private Equity segment driven by $6.0 billion from Tactical Opportunities, $5.0 billion from BIP, $4.4 billion from corporate private equity, $1.0 billion from Strategic Partners and $377.6 million from multi-asset products,

$11.4 billion in our Real Estate segment driven by $3.5 billion from BREDS, $2.4 billion from BPP U.S. andco-investment, $2.2 billion from BREIT, $2.1 billion from BREP opportunistic funds andco-investment and $1.2 billion from BPP Europe andco-investment, and

$10.6 billion in our Hedge Fund Solutions segment driven by $5.3 billion in customized solutions, $3.9 billion in individual investor and specialized solutions and $1.4 billion in commingled products.

Market appreciation of $21.5 billion due to:

$12.1 billion in our Private Equity segment driven by carrying value increase in corporate private equity, Strategic Partners and Tactical Opportunities of 23.4%, 13.5% and 12.1%, respectively, which included $350.7 million of foreign exchange depreciation across the segment,

$6.2 billion in our Real Estate segment driven by carrying value increases in our opportunistic and core+ real estate funds of 9.2% and 8.4%, respectively, which includes $1.7 billion of foreign exchange depreciation across the segment,

$2.2 billion in our Hedge Fund Solutions segment driven by reasons noted above inFee-Earning Assets Under Management, and

$1.0 billion appreciation in our Credit segment driven by $1.4 billion of appreciation from long only and MLP Strategies ($1.6 billion from market appreciation, partially offset by $130.6 million from foreign exchange depreciation) and $537.1 million from mezzanine funds ($727.3 million from market appreciation, partially offset by $190.1 million from foreign exchange depreciation), partially offset by $1.0 billion of market depreciation from BIS.

Offsetting these increases were:

Outflows of $36.0 billion primarily attributable to:

$25.3 billion in our Credit segment driven by the conclusion of oursub-advisory relationship with FS Investments. The remaining outflows were mainly related to certain long only and MLP strategies,

$7.7 billion in our Hedge Fund Solutions segment driven by $3.3 billion from customized solutions, $2.8 billion from individual investors and specialized solutions and $1.6 billion from commingled products,

$1.9 billion in our Real Estate segment driven by redemptions from the BREDS liquids funds and the expiration of the BREP VI fund term, and

 

$1.1 billion in our Hedge Fund SolutionsPrivate Equity segment reflecting investors’ liquidity needs and certain strategic shifts in their programs, with outflows of $817.9driven by $519.5 million from individual investor and specialized solutions and $279.6Tactical Opportunities, $411.5 million from customized solutions.Strategic Partners and $130.8 million from corporate private equity.

Realizations of $25.3 billion primarily driven by:

$11.0 billion in our Real Estate segment driven by $8.4 billion from BREP opportunistic funds andco-investment, $1.5 billion from BREDS and $1.0 billion from core+ real estate funds,

$7.1 billion in our Private Equity segment driven by continued disposition activity across the segment, mainly related to $3.9 billion from corporate private equity, $1.7 billion from Strategic Partners and $1.5 billion from Tactical Opportunities, and

$6.9 billion in our Credit segment driven by $3.1 billion from our distressed strategies, $1.8 billion from capital returned to investors from CLOs that are post theirre-investment periods and $1.3 billion from our mezzanine strategies.

Limited Partner Capital Invested

The following presents the limited partner capital invested for each of the respective three month periods:

 

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Note:

Totals may not add due to rounding.

 

  Three Months Ended
March 31,
   Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
  2017   2018   2017   2018   2017   2018 
  (Dollars in Thousands)   (Dollars in Thousands) 

Limited Partner Capital Invested

            

Private Equity

  $4,736,388   $3,301,949   $3,725,919   $2,981,402   $12,309,148   $8,640,311 

Real Estate

   2,590,419    4,254,201    3,778,790    3,977,693    8,741,127    12,770,048 

Hedge Fund Solutions (a)

   121,857    755,818    360,748    226,086    572,590    1,094,657 

Credit

   2,261,266    1,011,361    2,177,565    2,173,242    5,929,711    4,203,434 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $9,709,930   $9,323,329   $10,043,022   $9,358,423   $27,552,576   $26,708,450 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

(a)

Limited Partner Capital Invested for the Hedge Fund Solutions segment has been updated for an adjustment applicable to the three months ended March 31, 2017.

Dry Powder

The following presents the dry powder as of quarter end of each period:

 

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Note:

Totals may not add due to rounding.

(a)

Represents illiquid drawdown funds, only; excludes marketable vehicles; includes bothFee-Earning (third party)a component of perpetual capital andfee-payingco-investments; includesfee-paying third party capital as well as general partner and employee commitmentscapital that dodoes not earn fees. Amounts are reduced by outstanding capital commitments, to invest, but for which capital has not yet been called.invested.

 

   March 31, 
   2017   2018 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 

Dry Powder Available for Investment

    

Private Equity

  $40,563,929   $34,664,602 

Real Estate

   32,303,375    31,897,502 

Hedge Fund Solutions

   4,630,434    3,375,255 

Credit

   16,823,380    22,813,365 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $94,321,118   $92,750,724 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

   September 30, 
   2017   2018 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 

Dry Powder Available for Investment

    

Private Equity

  $34,908,613   $40,487,283 

Real Estate

   32,888,192    25,972,044 

Hedge Fund Solutions

   3,915,873    3,595,061 

Credit

   20,220,311    24,766,080 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $91,932,989   $94,820,468 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Accrued Performance Revenues

The following table presents the Accrued Performance Revenues, net of performance compensation, of the Blackstone Funds as of March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017. Net Accrued Performance Revenues presented do not include clawback amounts, if any, which are disclosed in Note 17. “Commitments and Contingencies — Contingencies — Contingent Obligations (Clawback)” in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” in “Part I.

Item 1. Financial Statements” of this filing. The Net Accrued Performance Revenues as of each reporting date is principally unrealized; if realized, such amount can be a significant component of Distributable Earnings.

 

  March 31,   September 30, 
  2018   2017   2018   2017 
  (Dollars in Millions)   (Dollars in Millions) 

Private Equity

        

BCP IV

  $70   $109   $111   $96 

BCP V

   70    128    44    75 

BCP VI

   783    560    1,008    618 

BCP VII

   59    —      166    —   

BEP I

   91    99    155    77 

BEP II

   34    11    66    14 

Tactical Opportunities

   138    104    161    119 

Strategic Partners

   81    38    95    56 

BTAS

   19    21    32    15 

Other

   3    3    11    2 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total Private Equity (a)

   1,348    1,073    1,849    1,072 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Real Estate

        

BREP IV

   10    7    12    8 

BREP V

   205    265    91    241 

BREP VI

   184    316    106    247 

BREP VII

   606    552    592    611 

BREP VIII

   288    179    386    236 

BREP Europe III

   61    161    1    182 

BREP Europe IV

   220    289    201    395 

BREP Europe V

   41    —      86    9 

BREP Asia I

   112    96    103    84 

BPP

   174    105    207    142 

BREIT

   14    —      18    6 

BREDS

   32    19    21    25 

BTAS

   25    —      29    19 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total Real Estate (a)

   1,972    1,989    1,853    2,205 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Hedge Fund Solutions

   19    21    32    40 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Credit

   266    221    301    241 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total Blackstone Net Accrued Performance Revenues

  $3,605   $3,304   $4,035   $3,558 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

(a)

Private Equity and Real Estate includeCo-Investments, as applicable.

Net Accrued Performance Revenues receivable was increased by net Performance Revenues of $2.1$2.3 billion for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and decreased by net realized distributions of $1.8 billion for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018.

Performance Revenue Eligible Assets Under Management

The following represents our Performance Revenue Eligible Assets Under Management as of March 31,September 30, 2018:

 

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Note:

Totals may not add due to rounding.

(a)Represents invested and to be invested

Uninvested generally represents dry powder including outstanding capital at fair value, including closed commitments for funds whose investment periodwhich capital has not yet commenced, on which Performance Revenue could be earned if certain hurdles are met.

(b)Represents dry powder exclusive ofbeen invested, and excludingnon-revenue earning general partner and employee commitments.

Perpetual Capital

The following represents our Perpetual Capital as of September 30, 2018:

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Note:

Totals may not add due to rounding.

Investment Record

Fund returns information for our significant funds is included throughout this discussion and analysis to facilitate an understanding of our results of operations for the periods presented. The fund returns information reflected in this discussion and analysis is not indicative of the financial performance of The Blackstone Group L.P. and is also not necessarily indicative of the future performance of any particular fund. An investment in The Blackstone Group L.P. is not an investment in any of our funds. There can be no assurance that any of our funds or our other existing and future funds will achieve similar returns.

The following table presents the investment record of our significant drawdown funds from inception through March 31,September 30, 2018:

 

     Unrealized Investments Realized Investments Total Investments Net IRRs (c)      Unrealized Investments Realized Investments Total Investments Net IRRs (c) 

Fund (Investment Period Beginning Date / Ending Date)

 Committed
Capital
 Available
Capital (a)
 Value MOIC (b) %
Public
 Value MOIC (b) Value MOIC (b) Realized Total  Committed
Capital
 Available
Capital (a)
 Value MOIC (b) %
Public
 Value MOIC (b) Value MOIC (b) Realized Total 
 (Dollars in Thousands, Except Where Noted)  (Dollars in Thousands, Except Where Noted) 

Private Equity

                      

BCP I (Oct 1987 / Oct 1993)

 $859,081  $—    $—     N/A   —    $1,741,738   2.6x  $1,741,738   2.6x   19  19 $859,081  $—    $—     N/A     $1,741,738   2.6x  $1,741,738   2.6x   19  19

BCP II (Oct 1993 / Aug 1997)

  1,361,100   —     —     N/A   —     3,256,819   2.5x   3,256,819   2.5x   32  32  1,361,100   —     —     N/A      3,256,819   2.5x   3,256,819   2.5x   32  32

BCP III (Aug 1997 / Nov 2002)

  3,967,422   —     —     N/A   —     9,184,688   2.3x   9,184,688   2.3x   14  14  3,967,422   —     —     N/A      9,184,688   2.3x   9,184,688   2.3x   14  14

BCOM (Jun 2000 / Jun 2006)

  2,137,330   24,575   17,393   1.4x   —     2,953,649   1.4x   2,971,042   1.4x   7  6  2,137,330   24,575   17,447   1.4x      2,953,649   1.4x   2,971,096   1.4x   7  6

BCP IV (Nov 2002 / Dec 2005)

  6,773,182   209,294   702,682   0.7x   48  20,677,725   3.2x   21,380,407   2.8x   42  36  6,773,182   207,524   770,288   0.9x   60  20,861,464   3.1x   21,631,752   2.9x   41  36

BCP V (Dec 2005 / Jan 2011)

  21,026,008   1,056,606   2,256,174   1.1x   42  35,892,518   2.0x   38,148,692   1.9x   9  8  21,022,215   1,048,362   2,148,761   1.1x   30  36,254,085   2.0x   38,402,846   1.9x   9  8

BCP VI (Jan 2011 / May 2016)

  15,190,284   1,807,564   16,676,954   1.7x   31  8,567,871   2.0x   25,244,825   1.8x   22  14  15,191,118   1,750,783   17,300,679   1.9x   35  10,388,364   2.1x   27,689,043   1.9x   21  15

BEP I (Aug 2011 / Feb 2015)

  2,437,617   159,896   2,513,248   1.5x   31  1,384,179   2.0x   3,897,427   1.6x   29  12  2,435,346   223,625   2,734,648   1.7x   45  1,828,396   2.2x   4,563,044   1.9x   25  15

BEP II (Feb 2015 / Feb 2021) (d)

  4,868,538   1,831,339   2,621,584   1.3x   —     55,898   2.5x   2,677,482   1.3x   N/M   13  4,919,256   1,560,360   3,337,879   1.5x      186,221   1.9x   3,524,100   1.5x   48  17

BCP VII (May 2016 / May 2022)

  18,551,468   12,824,126   5,233,973   1.3x   —     282,579   1.1x   5,516,552   1.3x   N/M   15  18,559,346   10,783,682   9,046,515   1.3x      402,432   1.3x   9,448,947   1.3x   21  22

BCP Asia (Dec 2017 / Dec 2023) (e)(d)

  1,797,100   1,627,752   103   N/M   —     —     N/A   103   N/M   N/A   N/M   2,369,469   2,201,623   137,164   1.2x      —     N/A   137,164   1.2x   N/A   N/M 

BEP III (TBD)

  3,198,311   3,198,311   —     N/A      —     N/A   —     N/A   N/A   N/A 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Corporate Private Equity

 $78,969,130  $19,541,152  $30,022,111   1.4x   24 $83,997,664   2.2x  $114,019,775   1.9x   17  15 $82,793,176  $20,998,845  $35,493,381   1.6x   23 $87,057,856   2.2x  $122,551,237   2.0x   17  16
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Tactical Opportunities

 $17,551,322  $7,729,918  $10,003,228   1.2x   —    $4,653,915   1.7x  $14,657,143   1.4x   23  12  21,508,073   11,014,336   10,022,805   1.3x   11  5,777,258   1.7x   15,800,063   1.4x   23  12

Tactical OpportunitiesCo-Investment and Other

  5,257,448   1,449,306   3,823,716   1.2x   —     1,130,175   1.6x   4,953,891   1.2x   N/A   15  4,946,019   1,317,372   3,832,000   1.2x   2  1,235,479   1.6x   5,067,479   1.3x   28  16

Strategic PartnersI-V andCo-Investment (f)

  11,862,592   1,743,623   2,154,396   N/M   —     15,360,143   N/M   17,514,539   1.5x   N/A   13

Strategic Partners VI LBO, RE and SMA (f)

  7,402,171   2,345,359   3,362,791   N/M   —     2,540,056   N/M   5,902,847   1.4x   N/A   21

Strategic Partners VII (f)

  7,669,970   2,685,945   4,204,924   N/M   —     281,924   N/M   4,486,848   1.3x   N/A   63

Strategic Partners RA II (f)

  1,806,807   1,465,246   251,324   N/M   —     5,582   N/M   256,906   1.2x   N/A   N/M 

BCEP (Jan 2017 / Jan 2021) (g)

  4,755,133   3,376,278   1,451,222   1.1x   —     —     N/A   1,451,222   1.1x   N/A   4

Other Funds andCo-Investment (h)

  1,129,258   513   66,087   0.9x   —     639,492   0.9x   705,579   0.9x   N/M   N/M 
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Tactical Opportunities

 $26,454,092  $12,331,708  $13,854,805   1.3x   9 $7,012,737   1.7x  $20,867,542   1.4x   23  12
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Strategic PartnersI-V andCo-Investment (e)

  11,913,117   1,798,461   1,810,766   N/M      15,813,541   N/M   17,624,307   1.5x   N/A   13

Strategic Partners VI LBO, RE and SMA (e)

  7,402,171   2,047,468   3,361,831   N/M      2,964,370   N/M   6,326,201   1.5x   N/A   20

Strategic Partners VII (e)

  7,669,970   2,396,585   4,669,166   N/M      645,883   N/M   5,315,049   1.4x   N/A   40

Strategic Partners RA II (e)

  1,898,154   1,065,577   419,404   N/M      32,263   N/M   451,667   1.1x   N/A   18
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Strategic Partners

 $28,883,412  $7,308,091  $10,261,167   N/M     $19,456,057   N/M  $29,717,224   1.5x   N/A   14
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

BCEP (Jan 2017 / Jan 2021) (f)

  4,755,616   2,603,351   2,351,861   1.1x      —     N/A   2,351,861   1.1x   N/A   7

Other Funds andCo-Investment (g)

  1,539,393   325,028   72,084   0.9x   22  635,564   0.9x   707,648   0.9x   N/M   N/M 
           

Real Estate

                      

Pre-BREP

 $140,714  $—    $—     N/A   —    $345,190   2.5x  $345,190   2.5x   33  33 $140,714  $—    $—     N/A     $345,190   2.5x  $345,190   2.5x   33  33

BREP I (Sep 1994 / Oct 1996)

  380,708   —     —     N/A   —     1,327,708   2.8x   1,327,708   2.8x   40  40  380,708   —     —     N/A      1,327,708   2.8x   1,327,708   2.8x   40  40

BREP II (Oct 1996 / Mar 1999)

  1,198,339   —     —     N/A   —     2,531,614   2.1x   2,531,614   2.1x   19  19  1,198,339   —     —     N/A      2,531,614   2.1x   2,531,614   2.1x   19  19

BREP III (Apr 1999 / Apr 2003)

  1,522,708   —     —     N/A   —     3,330,406   2.4x   3,330,406   2.4x   21  21  1,522,708   —     —     N/A      3,330,406   2.4x   3,330,406   2.4x   21  21

BREP IV (Apr 2003 / Dec 2005)

  2,198,694   —     356,962   0.4x   39  4,193,319   2.2x   4,550,281   1.7x   35  12  2,198,694   —     301,446   0.4x   24  4,259,544   2.2x   4,560,990   1.7x   34  12

BREP V (Dec 2005 / Feb 2007)

  5,539,418   —     1,757,545   2.0x   30  11,571,333   2.4x   13,328,878   2.3x   13  11  5,539,418   —     783,714   1.8x   35  12,536,269   2.4x   13,319,983   2.3x   12  11

BREP VI (Feb 2007 / Aug 2011)

  11,060,444   556,442   2,031,419   2.0x   26  25,400,275   2.6x   27,431,694   2.5x   14  13  11,060,444   —     1,352,439   1.6x   3  26,167,065   2.6x   27,519,504   2.5x   14  13

BREP VII (Aug 2011 / Apr 2015)

  13,495,014   2,063,162   12,300,534   1.7x   18  16,197,932   2.1x   28,498,466   1.9x   29  18  13,495,034   2,057,992   11,396,491   1.7x   19  17,467,417   2.1x   28,863,908   1.9x   28  17

BREP VIII (Apr 2015 / Oct 2020)

  16,411,403   8,884,917   10,308,128   1.4x   1  3,700,071   1.5x   14,008,199   1.4x   28  17  16,429,229   7,814,227   12,028,819   1.4x   2  4,328,795   1.5x   16,357,614   1.4x   28  17
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Global BREP

 $51,947,442  $11,504,521  $26,754,588   1.5x   13 $68,597,848   2.3x  $95,352,436   2.0x   20  16 $51,965,288  $9,872,219  $25,862,909   1.5x   11 $72,294,008   2.3x  $98,156,917   2.0x   19  16
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

BREP Int’l (Jan 2001 / Sep 2005)

 824,172  —    —     N/A   —    1,369,016   2.1x  1,369,016   2.1x   23  23 824,172  —    —     N/A     1,369,016   2.1x  1,369,016   2.1x   23  23

BREP Int’l II (Sep 2005 / Jun 2008) (i)

  1,629,748   —     178,866   0.7x   24  2,242,404   2.0x   2,421,270   1.7x   10  8

BREP Int’l II (Sep 2005 / Jun 2008) (h)

  1,629,748   —     105,181   1.0x      2,334,143   1.8x   2,439,324   1.7x   8  8

BREP Europe III (Jun 2008 / Sep 2013)

  3,205,167   454,762   1,402,919   1.5x   —     4,965,527   2.5x   6,368,446   2.2x   22  16  3,205,167   463,074   773,749   1.0x      5,497,856   2.5x   6,271,605   2.1x   21  15

BREP Europe IV (Sep 2013 / Dec 2016)

  6,709,008   1,296,578   5,053,183   1.5x   9  5,855,191   2.0x   10,908,374   1.7x   28  18  6,709,145   1,332,728   4,476,835   1.5x   14  6,957,202   2.0x   11,434,037   1.8x   25  18

BREP Europe V (Dec 2016 / Jun 2022)

  7,855,508   4,494,806   3,571,217   1.2x   —     12,559   2.5x   3,583,776   1.2x   N/M   20  7,868,436   3,523,103   5,121,036   1.2x      14,155   N/M   5,135,191   1.2x   N/M   18
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Euro BREP

 20,223,603  6,246,146  10,206,185   1.3x   5 14,444,697   2.1x  24,650,882   1.7x   18  14 20,236,668  5,318,905  10,476,801   1.3x   6 16,172,372   2.1x  26,649,173   1.7x   16  14
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

BREP Asia I (Jun 2013 / Dec 2017)

 $5,095,494  $1,893,763  $4,268,941   1.4x   —    $2,435,863   1.8x  $6,704,804   1.5x   23  17

BREP Asia II (Dec 2017 / Jun 2023)

  6,911,267   6,755,702   323,200   1.0x   —     —     N/A   323,200   1.0x   N/A   N/A 

BREPCo-Investment (j)

  6,892,347   146,573   2,311,814   1.8x   55  11,510,361   2.1x   13,822,175   2.0x   16  16
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total BREP

 $95,605,403  $28,073,264  $45,861,628   1.5x   12 $101,124,888   2.2x  $146,986,516   1.9x   19  16
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

BPP (k)

 $23,755,472  $3,425,136  $23,531,250   1.2x   —    $1,947,913   N/M  $25,479,163   1.2x   N/M   12

BREDS (l)

 $13,242,063  $5,244,979  $3,094,557   1.1x   —    $8,872,128   1.3x  $11,966,685   1.3x   12  11
           

Hedge Fund Solutions

           

BSCH (Dec 2013 / Jun 2020) (m)

 $3,298,575  $2,351,974  $950,535   1.0x   —    $246,864   N/A  $1,197,399   1.3x   N/A   6

BSCHCo-Investment

  276,000   164,903   104,812   0.9x   —     22,953   N/A   127,765   1.1x   N/A   11
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Hedge Fund Solutions

 $3,574,575  $2,516,877  $1,055,347   1.0x   —    $269,817   N/A  $1,325,164   1.3x   N/A   6
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
            continued ...

continued...

     Unrealized Investments Realized Investments Total Investments Net IRRs (c)      Unrealized Investments Realized Investments Total Investments Net IRRs (c) 

Fund (Investment Period Beginning Date / Ending Date)

 Committed
Capital
 Available
Capital (a)
 Value MOIC (b) %
Public
 Value MOIC (b) Value MOIC (b) Realized Total  Committed
Capital
 Available
Capital (a)
 Value MOIC (b) %
Public
 Value MOIC (b) Value MOIC (b) Realized Total 
 (Dollars in Thousands, Except Where Noted)  (Dollars in Thousands, Except Where Noted) 

Credit (n)

           

Real Estate (continued)

           

BREP Asia I (Jun 2013 / Dec 2017)

 $5,096,216  $1,759,883  $4,041,221   1.4x     $2,883,151   1.8x  $6,924,372   1.5x   21  15

BREP Asia II (Dec 2017 / Jun 2023)

  7,123,119   6,930,266   348,643   N/M      —     N/A   348,643   1.0x   N/M   N/M 

BREPCo-Investment (i)

  6,892,347   146,573   2,130,069   1.8x   49  11,818,812   2.1x   13,948,881   2.1x   16  16
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total BREP

 $95,859,327  $24,880,999  $44,716,236   1.4x   10 $107,630,873   2.2x  $152,347,109   1.9x   18  16
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

BPP (j)

 $25,332,010  $2,797,024  $27,127,479   1.2x     $2,693,606   N/M  $29,821,085   1.2x   N/M   11

BREDS (k)

 $13,240,239  $4,078,535  $3,393,396   1.1x     $9,712,652   1.3x  $13,106,048   1.2x   11  11

Hedge Fund Solutions

           

BSCH (Dec 2013 / Jun 2020) (l)

 $3,298,575  $2,326,290  $1,004,382   1.0x     $275,472   N/A  $1,279,854   1.3x   N/A   6

BSCHCo-Investment

  276,000   164,903   102,202   0.9x      26,443   N/A   128,645   1.1x   N/A   9
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Hedge Fund Solutions

 $3,574,575  $2,491,193  $1,106,584   1.0x     $301,915   N/A  $1,408,499   1.3x   N/A   6
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Credit (m)

           

Mezzanine I (Jul 2007 / Oct 2011)

 $2,000,000  $97,114  $44,779   0.8x   —    $4,769,092   1.6x  $4,813,871   1.6x   N/A   17 $2,000,000  $97,114  $36,499   0.7x     $4,770,982   1.6x  $4,807,481   1.6x   N/A   17

Mezzanine II (Nov 2011 / Nov 2016)

  4,120,000   1,159,450   2,539,622   1.1x   —     3,938,808   1.5x   6,478,430   1.3x   N/A   13  4,120,000   1,146,274   2,412,906   1.1x      4,214,546   1.6x   6,627,452   1.3x   N/A   13

Mezzanine III (Sep 2016 / Sep 2021)

  6,639,133   4,074,443   2,546,836   1.1x   —     548,379   1.5x   3,095,215   1.1x   N/A   13  6,639,133   3,198,430   3,056,152   1.1x      781,375   1.5x   3,837,527   1.2x   N/A   13

Stressed / Distressed Investing I (Sep 2009 / May 2013)

  3,253,143   175,000   382,975   0.6x   —     5,541,392   1.5x   5,924,367   1.4x   N/A   11  3,253,143   175,000   417,477   0.7x      5,573,234   1.5x   5,990,711   1.4x   N/A   11

Stressed / Distressed Investing II (Jun 2013 / Jun 2018)

  5,125,000   704,060   2,979,367   1.1x   —     2,670,978   1.4x   5,650,345   1.2x   N/A   13  5,125,000   584,021   2,501,490   1.1x      3,480,028   1.4x   5,981,518   1.2x   N/A   11

Stressed / Distressed Investing III (Dec 2017 / Dec 2022)

  7,331,130   6,876,354   454,546   1.1x   —     10,482   N/A   465,028   1.1x   N/A   N/A   7,356,380   6,357,485   863,400   1.1x      248,102   1.2x   1,111,502   1.1x   N/A   N/A 

Energy Select Opportunities (Nov 2015 / Nov 2018)

  2,856,867   1,382,309   1,583,917   1.2x   —     383,558   1.7x   1,967,475   1.2x   N/A   19  2,856,867   1,108,540   2,032,185   1.2x      523,100   1.6x   2,555,285   1.2x   N/A   16
           

Euro

                      

European Senior Debt Fund (Feb 2015 / Feb 2019)

 1,964,689  1,636,988  1,712,615   1.0x   —    556,585   1.6x  2,269,200   1.1x   N/A   11 1,964,689  1,599,931  1,967,235   1.0x     739,301   1.5x  2,706,536   1.1x   N/A   10
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Credit

 $33,591,683  $16,482,061  $12,638,301   1.1x   —    $18,496,740   1.5x  $31,135,041   1.3x   N/A   14 $33,616,933  $14,525,185  $13,605,053   1.1x     $20,439,621   1.5x  $34,044,674   1.3x   N/A   13
 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

The returns herein represent those of the applicable Blackstone Funds and not those of The Blackstone Group L.P.

 

N/MNot meaningful.

N/M Not meaningful.

N/A

Not applicable.

(a)

Available Capital represents total investable capital commitments, includingside-by-side, adjusted for certain expenses and expired or recallable capital and may include leverage, less invested capital. This amount is not reduced by outstanding commitments to investments.

(b)

Multiple of Invested Capital (“MOIC”) represents carrying value, before management fees, expenses and carried interest, divided by invested capital.

(c)

Net Internal Rate of Return (“IRR”) represents the annualized inception to March 31,September 30, 2018 IRR on total invested capital based on realized proceeds and unrealized value, as applicable, after management fees, expenses and carried interest.

(d)Total Net IRR represents the compound annual rate of return based on actual limited partner cash flows and valuations after management fees (excluding management fees funded using the funds’ revolving credit facility), expenses and the general partner’s allocation of profits. Including management fees funded using the revolving credit facility, BEP II’s Total Net IRR would have been 13%. BEP II’s Realized Net IRR is not meaningful.
(e)

Includes foreign currency gain or loss on invested undrawn capital, if any.

(f)(e)

Realizations are treated as return of capital until fully recovered and therefore unrealized and realized MOICs are not meaningful.

(g)(f)

BCEP, or Blackstone Core Equity Partners, is a core private equity fund which invests with a more modest risk profile and longer hold period.

(h)(g)

Returns for Other Funds andCo-Investment are not meaningful as these funds have limited transaction activity.

(i)(h)

The 10%8% Realized Net IRR and 8% Total Net IRR exclude investors that opted out of the Hilton investment opportunity. Overall BREP International II performance reflects a 9%7% Realized Net IRR and a 6% Total Net IRR.

(j)(i)

BREPCo-Investment representsco-investment capital raised for various BREP investments. The Net IRR reflected is calculated by aggregating eachco-investment’s realized proceeds and unrealized value, as applicable, after management fees, expenses and carried interest.

(k)(j)

BPP represents the core+ real estate funds which invest with a more modest risk profile and lower leverage. Excludes BREIT.

(k)

Excludes Capital Trust drawdown funds.

(l)Excludes Capital Trust drawdown funds.
(m)

BSCH, or Blackstone Strategic Capital Holdings, is a permanent capital vehicle focused on acquiring strategic minority positions in alternative asset managers.

(n)(m)

Funds presented represent the flagship credit drawdown funds only. The Total Credit Net IRR is the combined IRR of the eight credit drawdown funds presented.

Segment Analysis

Discussed below is our Economic Income for each of our segments. This information is reflected in the manner utilized by our senior management to make operating decisions, assess performance and allocate resources. References to “our” sectors or investments may also refer to portfolio companies and investments of the underlying funds that we manage.

For segment reporting purposes, revenues and expenses are presented on a basis that deconsolidates the investment funds we manage. As a result, segment revenues are greater than those presented on a consolidated GAAP basis because fund management fees recognized in certain segments are received from the Blackstone Funds and eliminated in consolidation when presented on a consolidated GAAP basis. Furthermore, segment expenses are lower than related amounts presented on a consolidated GAAP basis due to the exclusion of fund expenses that are paid by Limited Partners and the elimination ofnon-controlling interests.

Private Equity

The following table presents the results of operations for our Private Equity segment:

 

  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2018 vs. 2017  Three Months Ended
September 30,
 2018 vs. 2017 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2018 vs. 2017 
  2018 2017 $ %  2018 2017 $ % 2018 2017 $ % 
  (Dollars in Thousands)  (Dollars in Thousands) 

Revenues

             

Management and Advisory Fees, Net

             

Base Management Fees

  $182,961  $176,706  $6,255   4 $205,893  $182,764  $23,129   13 $584,375  $537,154  $47,221   9

Transaction, Advisory and Other Fees, Net

   11,094   16,176   (5,082  -31  21,709   8,748   12,961   148  45,583   42,213   3,370   8

Management Fee Offsets

   (3,193  (12,190  8,997   -74  (4,973  (1,088  (3,885  357  (12,517  (17,031  4,514   -27
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Management and Advisory Fees, Net

   190,862   180,692   10,170   6  222,629   190,424   32,205   17  617,441   562,336   55,105   10
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Performance Revenues

             

Realized Performance Allocations

   77,123   582,681   (505,558  -87  290,012   101,918   188,094   185  505,306   882,767   (377,461  -43

Unrealized Performance Allocations

   397,316   (184,478  581,794   N/M   242,613   80,326   162,287   202  1,138,203   (104,143  1,242,346   N/M 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Performance Revenues

   474,439   398,203   76,236   19  532,625   182,244   350,381   192  1,643,509   778,624   864,885   111
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Principal Investment Income (Loss)

             

Realized

   6,338   81,294   (74,956  -92  44,408   7,077   37,331   527  83,346   129,539   (46,193  -36

Unrealized

   17,368   (40,522  57,890   N/M   19,140   17,300   1,840   11  120,755   (49,114  169,869   N/M 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Principal Investment Income

   23,706   40,772   (17,066  -42  63,548   24,377   39,171   161  204,101   80,425   123,676   154

Interest and Dividend Revenue

   8,543   6,661   1,882   28  13,258   9,046   4,212   47  33,350   23,629   9,721   41

Other

   (16,408  (1,800  (14,608  812  3,252   (8,346  11,598   N/M   13,511   (26,270  39,781   N/M 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Revenues

   681,142   624,528   56,614   9  835,312   397,745   437,567   110  2,511,912   1,418,744   1,093,168   77
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Expenses

             

Compensation

   99,729   83,603   16,126   19  117,031   96,166   20,865   22  320,558   270,445   50,113   19

Performance Compensation

             

Realized Performance Allocations

   33,045   181,633   (148,588  -82  106,401   48,019   58,382   122  207,959   292,712   (84,753  -29

Unrealized Performance Allocations

   178,802   (39,356  218,158   N/M   119,135   45,484   73,651   162  491,684   28,347   463,337   N/M 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Compensation and Benefits

   311,576   225,880   85,696   38  342,567   189,669   152,898   81  1,020,201   591,504   428,697   72

Interest Expense

   10,133   10,427   (294  -3  12,139   10,804   1,335   12  35,045   31,959   3,086   10

Other Operating Expenses

   31,151   27,761   3,390   12  36,654   32,166   4,488   14  103,852   88,519   15,333   17
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Expenses

   352,860   264,068   88,792   34  391,360   232,639   158,721   68  1,159,098   711,982   447,116   63
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Economic Income

  $328,282  $360,460  $(32,178  -9 $443,952  $165,106  $278,846   169 $1,352,814  $706,762  $646,052   91
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

N/M Not meaningful.

N/M

Not meaningful.

Three Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2018 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2017

Revenues

Revenues were $681.1$835.3 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, an increase of $56.6$437.6 million compared to $624.5$397.7 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2017. The increase in revenuesRevenues was primarily attributable to increases of $76.2$350.4 million in Performance Revenues, and $10.2$39.2 million in TotalPrincipal Investment Income and $32.2 million in Management and Advisory Fees, Net, partially offset by a decrease of $17.1 million in Principal Investment Income.Net.

Revenues in our Private Equity segment in the firstthird quarter of 2018 were higher compared to the firstthird quarter of 2017, primarily driven by increased Performance Revenues largely due to appreciation in Strategic Partners and Tactical Opportunities, as well as positive performance in our public and private corporate private equity private investments.investments, with particular strength in energy and technology holdings. The market environment in early 2018 continues to be generally characterized by high prices, which can make deployment of capital more difficult. Nonetheless, in the third quarter of 2018 we deployed $3.3 billion and committed an additional $2.2 billion of

capital across the segment. In addition, decelerating growth in certain sectors may contribute to a more challenging environment for our portfolio companies. Realizations of $4.0 billion in the quarter were driven by activity across our corporate private equity funds, Strategic Partners and Tactical Opportunities, although volatility, including as a result the market for new investments remains challenging. Nonetheless, in the first quarter of 2018 our Private Equity funds were able to deploy $4.0 billion of capital. U.S. tax reform is expected to have a neutral to slightly positive impact for our U.S. private equity investments. Volatility was alsogrowing macroeconomic and geopolitical concerns, could be a factor in fewer realizations in the quarter and could be a factor going forward. Although we and our portfolio companies are operating against a backdrop of continuing economic strength and improving fundamentals that we expect will benefit our businesses, interestInterest rates are expected to continue to rise throughout the remainder of 2018 and into 2019 and will likely increase the cost of debt financing for us and our portfolio companies. Rising interest rates, as well as a stronger U.S. dollar and higher inflation, would also likely negatively impact revenues in our Private Equity segment, particularly if not occurring against a backdrop of corresponding economic growth. Revenues in the Private Equity segment would also likely be negatively impacted if the costs ofpressure on wages and other inputs and rising interest rateshigher tariffs increasingly pressure profit margins, we experience a period of high inflation without corresponding economic growth or global, regional or sector economic conditions were to deteriorate.margins. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Business — Difficult market conditions can adversely affect our business in many ways, including by reducing the value or performance of the investments made by our investment funds and reducing the ability of our investment funds to raise or deploy capital, each of which could materially reduce our revenue, earnings and cash flow and adversely affect our financial prospects and condition.” in our Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Performance Revenues were $474.4$532.6 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, an increase of $76.2$350.4 million compared to $398.2$182.2 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2017, driven primarily by Strategic Partners and Tactical Opportunities. Strategic Partnerscorporate private equity. Corporate private equity carrying value increased 6.9%7.5% in the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 versus 4.6%compared to 3.3% in the three months ended March 31, 2017. Tactical Opportunities carrying value increased 5.2% in the three months ended March 31, 2018 versus 3.6% in the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2017.

Total Management and Advisory Fees, Net were $190.9Principal Investment Income was $63.5 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, an increase of $10.2$39.2 million compared to $180.7$24.4 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2017, primarily driven primarily by an increase in Base Management Fees, partially offset by a decrease in Transaction, Advisory and Other Fees, Net. Base Management Fees were $183.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, an increase of $6.3 million compared to $176.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, primarily due to the increase infee-earning assets across the segment. Transaction, Advisory and Other Fees, Net were $11.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, a decrease of $5.1 million compared to $16.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, principally due to decreased capital market deal activity.

Principal Investment Income was $23.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, a decrease of $17.1 million compared to $40.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, driven primarily by a decrease in the appreciation of our investment holdings.

Expenses

ExpensesManagement and Advisory Fees, Net were $352.9$222.6 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, anand increase of $88.8$32.2 million compared to $264.1$190.4 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2017, primarily driven by an increase in Base Management Fees. Base Management Fees were $205.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $23.1 million compared to $182.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to the launch of BCP Asia and the third vintage of Tactical Opportunities.

Expenses

Expenses were $391.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $158.7 million compared to $232.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase of $85.7$152.9 million in Total Compensation and Benefits. The increase in Total Compensation and Benefits was attributableprimarily due to increasesan increase of $69.6$132.0 million in Performance Compensation and $16.1$20.9 million in Compensation.

The increase in Performance Compensation was primarily due toincreased as a result of the increase in Performance Revenues. The increase in Compensation wasincreased primarily due to the increase in Management and Advisory Fees, Net, on which a portion of compensation is based, as well as an increase in headcount in our infrastructure initiative.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

Revenues

Revenues were $2.5 billion for the developmentnine months ended September 30, 2018, an increase of new business lines.$1.1 billion compared to $1.4 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase in Revenues was primarily attributable to increases of $864.9 million in Performance Revenues, $123.7 million in Principal Investment Income and $55.1 million in Management and Advisory Fees, Net.

Performance Revenues were $1.6 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $864.9 million, compared to $778.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, driven by corporate private equity. Corporate private equity carrying value increased 23.4% in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to 12.1% in the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

Principal Investment Income was $204.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $123.7 million, compared to $80.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase was due to an increase in the appreciation of our investment holdings.

Management and Advisory Fees, Net were $617.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $55.1 million compared to $562.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, primarily driven by an increase in Base Management Fees. Base Management Fees were $584.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $47.2 million compared to $537.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to the launch of BCP Asia and the third vintage of Tactical Opportunities.

Expenses

Expenses were $1.2 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $447.1 million compared to $712.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase of $428.7 million in Total Compensation and Benefits. The increase in Total Compensation and Benefits was primarily due to increases of $378.6 million in Performance Compensation and $50.1 million in Compensation. Performance Compensation increased as a result of the increase in Performance Revenues. Compensation increased primarily due to the increase in Management and Advisory Fees, Net, on which a portion of compensation is based, as well as an increase in headcount in our infrastructure initiative.

Fund Returns

Fund returns information for our significant funds is included throughout this discussion and analysis to facilitate an understanding of our results of operations for the periods presented. The fund returns information reflected in this discussion and analysis is not indicative of the financial performance of The Blackstone Group L.P. and is also not necessarily indicative of the future performance of any particular fund. An investment in The Blackstone Group L.P. is not an investment in any of our funds. There can be no assurance that any of our funds or our other existing and future funds will achieve similar returns.

The following table presents the internal rates of return of our significant private equity funds:

 

  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 March 31, 2018
Inception to Date
   Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 September 30, 2018
Inception to Date
 
  2018 2017 Realized Total   2018 2017 2018 2017 Realized Total 

Fund (a)

  Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net   Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net 

BCP IV

   -7  -6  -2  -2  56  42  50  36   10  9  10  9  28  24  7  6  55  41  50  36

BCP V

   -1  -1  3  2  11  9  10  8   -2  -2  5  4  11  8  9  7  11  9  10  8

BCP VI

   8  7  9  7  29  22  19  14   7  6  3  3  24  20  18  14  27  21  20  15

BCP VII

   11  7  N/A   N/A   N/M   N/M   35  15   12  8  4  N/M   35  22  11  N/M   60  21  40  22

BEP I

   0  0  10  9  37  29  16  12   7  6  -2  -2  27  23  6  5  32  25  19  15

BEP II (b)

   9  6  13  13  N/M   N/M   28  13   10  7  4  1  29  18  17  8  73  48  31  17

BCOM

   3  3  3  3  13  7  13  6   2  2  4  4  4  3  -10  -11  13  7  13  6

Tactical Opportunities

   5  4  4  3  31  23  16  12   5  3  4  3  12  9  12  13  28  23  15  12

Tactical OpportunitiesCo-Investment and Other

   6  6  6  6  N/A   N/A   19  15   2  1  5  4  14  11  23  18  29  28  19  16

Strategic PartnersI-V andCo-Investment (c)(b)

   2  2  2  2  N/A   N/A   16  13   —     —     4  5  4  3  8  8  N/A   N/A   16  13

Strategic Partners VI LBO, RE and SMA (c)

   6  5  4  4  N/A   N/A   26  21

Strategic Partners VII (c)

   11  9  N/M   N/M   N/A   N/A   82  63

Strategic Partners VI

             

LBO, RE and SMA (b)

   1  1  4  3  14  12  12  10  N/A   N/A   25  20

Strategic Partners VII (b)

   2  1  18  14  22  18  88  68  N/A   N/A   50  40

Strategic Partners RA II (b)

   2  1  N/M   N/M   24  17  N/M   N/M   N/A   N/A   26  18

The returns presented herein represent those of the applicable Blackstone Funds and not those of The Blackstone Group L.P.

 

N/M

Not meaningful.

N/A

N/M Not meaningful.

N/A Not applicable.

(a)

Net returns are based on the change in carrying value (realized and unrealized) after management fees, expenses and carried interest allocations.

(b)Total Net IRR represents the compound annual rate of return based on actual limited partner cash flows and valuations after management fees (excluding management fees funded using its revolving credit facility), expenses and the general partner’s allocation of profits. Including management fees funded using the revolving credit facility, BEP II’s Total Net IRR would have been 13%. BEP II’s Realized Net IRR is not meaningful.
(c)

Realizations are treated as return of capital until fully recovered and therefore inception to date realized returns are not applicable.

The corporate private equity funds within the Private Equity segment have five funds with closed investment periods: BCP IV, BCP V, BCP VI, BCOM and BEP I. As of March 31,September 30, 2018, BCP IV was above its carried interest threshold (i.e., the preferred return payable to its limited partners before the general partner is eligible to receive carried interest) and would still be above its carried interest threshold even if all remaining investments were valued at zero. BCP V is comprised of two fund classes based on the timings of fund closings, the BCP V “main fund” andBCP V-AC fund. Within these fund classes, the general partner is subject to equalization such that (a) the general partner accrues carried interest when the respective carried interest for either fund class is positive and (b) the

general partner realizes carried interest so long as clawback obligations, if any, for either of the respective fund classes are fully satisfied. During the quarter, both fund classes in aggregate were above their respective carried interest thresholds. BCP VI is currently above its carried interest threshold. BCOM is currently above its carried interest threshold and has generated inception to date positive returns. We are entitled to retain previously realized carried interest up to 20% of BCOM’s net gains. As a result, Performance Revenues are recognized from BCOM on current period gains and losses. BEP I is currently above its carried interest threshold.

Real Estate

The following table presents the results of operations for our Real Estate segment:

 

  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2018 vs. 2017  Three Months Ended
September 30,
 2018 vs. 2017 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2018 vs. 2017 
  2018 2017 $ %  2018 2017 $ % 2018 2017 $ % 
  (Dollars in Thousands)  (Dollars in Thousands) 

Revenues

             

Management Fees, Net

             

Base Management Fees

  $226,526  $197,879  $28,647   14 $254,088  $224,048  $30,040   13 $730,294  $649,792  $80,502   12

Transaction and Other Fees, Net

   23,088   21,279   1,809   9  45,678   20,616   25,062   122  92,625   57,982   34,643   60

Management Fee Offsets

   (1,668  (3,550  1,882   -53  (8,265  (4,232  (4,033  95  (13,718  (12,800  (918  7
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Management Fees, Net

   247,946   215,608   32,338   15  291,501   240,432   51,069   21  809,201   694,974   114,227   16
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Performance Revenues

             

Realized Incentive Fees

   4,375   2,882   1,493   52  5,898   3,778   2,120   56  21,667   11,538   10,129   88

Realized Performance Allocations

   151,309   519,873   (368,564  -71  297,710   307,932   (10,222  -3  800,649   1,217,246   (416,597  -34

Unrealized Performance Allocations

   226,442   (8,046  234,488   N/M   31,877   273,731   (241,854  -88  97,741   355,373   (257,632  -72
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Performance Revenues

   382,126   514,709   (132,583  -26  335,485   585,441   (249,956  -43  920,057   1,584,157   (664,100  -42
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Principal Investment Income (Loss)

             

Realized

   14,690   119,579   (104,889  -88  16,197   44,449   (28,252  -64  81,086   221,627   (140,541  -63

Unrealized

   2,687   (83,853  86,540   N/M   269   (8,319  8,588   N/M   (25,088  (112,691  87,603   -78
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Principal Investment Income

   17,377   35,726   (18,349  -51  16,466   36,130   (19,664  -54  55,998   108,936   (52,938  -49

Interest and Dividend Revenue

   15,128   12,094   3,034   25  18,556   15,461   3,095   20  48,178   42,048   6,130   15

Other

   (21,497  (3,150  (18,347  582  4,190   (13,108  17,298   N/M   13,150   (39,223  52,373   N/M 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Revenues

   641,080   774,987   (133,907  -17  666,198   864,356   (198,158  -23  1,846,584   2,390,892   (544,308  -23
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Expenses

             

Compensation

   112,824   102,702   10,122   10  124,475   105,753   18,722   18  346,898   318,721   28,177   9

Performance Compensation

             

Realized Incentive Fees

   2,210   1,333   877   66  3,289   1,967   1,322   67  11,319   6,011   5,308   88

Realized Performance Allocations

   54,183   179,956   (125,773  -70  89,879   104,112   (14,233  -14  253,295   408,580   (155,285  -38

Unrealized Performance Allocations

   79,170   17,792   61,378   345  48,898   105,640   (56,742  -54  76,698   187,686   (110,988  -59
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Compensation and Benefits

   248,387   301,783   (53,396  -18  266,541   317,472   (50,931  -16  688,210   920,998   (232,788  -25

Interest Expense

   14,149   14,635   (486  -3  13,584   15,028   (1,444  -10  39,122   44,450   (5,328  -12

Other Operating Expenses

   29,417   30,864   (1,447  -5  39,787   33,256   6,531   20  105,230   97,499   7,731   8
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Expenses

   291,953   347,282   (55,329  -16  319,912   365,756   (45,844  -13  832,562   1,062,947   (230,385  -22
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Economic Income

  $349,127  $427,705  $(78,578  -18 $346,286  $498,600  $(152,314  -31 $1,014,022  $1,327,945  $(313,923  -24
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

N/M Not meaningful.

N/M

Not meaningful.

Three Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2018 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2017

Revenues

Revenues were $641.1$666.2 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, a decrease of $133.9$198.2 million compared to $775.0$864.4 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2017. The decrease in revenuesRevenues was primarily attributable to decreases of $132.6$250.0 million in Performance Revenues and $18.3$19.7 million in Principal Investment Income, partially offset by an increaseincreases of $32.3$51.1 million in Total Management Fees, Net.Net and $17.3 million in Other Revenue.

Revenues in our Real Estate segment in the firstthird quarter of 2018 were lower compared to the firstthird quarter of 2017, primarily driven by lower Performance Revenues resulting from slowerlower appreciation in private investments and depreciation in public investments in our real estate opportunistic funds comparedfunds. In the third quarter of 2018, foreign currency fluctuations, particularly with respect to the first quarter of 2017.Indian rupee, adversely impacted appreciation in our real estate opportunistic funds. Overall, operating trends in our Real Estate portfolio remain stable and supply-demand fundamentals remain positive in most markets, although we see

decelerating growth in certain sectors, notably retail.including retail, may contribute to a more challenging environment for our portfolio companies. As a result of less distress and rising asset values compared to prior years in the United States, the first quarter of 2018 was a more challengingcapital deployment in opportunistic investment environment.investments continues to be difficult. Nonetheless, our Real Estate funds deployed $4.3$4.1 billion and committed an additional $2.7 billion of capital in the quarter, with more than 50% of such aggregate capital invested or committed outside of the United States. Volatility, including significant investments in Europe. Volatility was alsoas a result of growing macroeconomic and geopolitical concerns, could be a factor in fewer realizations going forward, although our Real Estate funds had $4.0 billion of realizations in the quarter and could be a factor going forward. Overall, we believe U.S. tax reform will have a neutral to slightly positive impact for our real estate investments. Although we are operating against a backdrop of continuing economic strength and improving fundamentals that we expect will benefit our businesses, interestthird quarter. Interest rates are expected to continue to rise throughout the remainder of 2018 and into 2019 and will likely increase the cost of debt financing for our real estate businesses and assets. IfRising interest rates, go up or we experienceas well as a period ofstronger U.S. dollar and higher inflation, such rise would also likely negatively impact revenues in our Real Estate segment, unlessparticularly if not occurring against a backdrop of economic strength and improving fundamentals. Revenues in our Real Estate segment would also likely be negatively impacted if pressure on wages and other inputs increasingly pressure profit margins. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Business — Difficult market conditions can adversely affect our business in many ways, including by reducing the value or performance of the investments made by our investment funds and reducing the ability of our investment funds to raise or deploy capital, each of which could materially reduce our revenue, earnings and cash flow and adversely affect our financial prospects and condition.” in our Annual Report onForm10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Performance Revenues were $382.1$335.5 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, a decrease of $132.6$250.0 million compared to $514.7$585.4 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2017. The decrease in Performance Revenues was due to lower net appreciation of investment holdings in our BREP opportunistic funds compared to the comparable period in 2017. For the three months ended September 30, 2018, the carrying value of investments for our BREP opportunistic funds increased 3.0% compared to 5.5% in the three months ended September 30, 2017.

Principal Investment Income was $16.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, a decrease of $19.7 million compared to $36.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The decrease in Principal Investment Income was primarily due to lower net appreciation of the Partnership’s principal investments.

Management Fees, Net were $291.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $51.1 million compared to $240.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, driven primarily by an increase in Base Management Fees. Base Management Fees were $254.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $30.0 million compared to $224.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to AUM growth in our core+ real estate funds and the launch of BREP Asia II in the fourth quarter of 2017, partially offset by a decrease due to the expiration of the BREP VI fund term.

Other Revenue was $4.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $17.3 million compared to $(13.1) million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to foreign exchange gain on our euro denominated bonds.

Expenses

Expenses were $319.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, a decrease of $45.8 million compared to $365.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease of $50.9 million in Total Compensation and Benefits. The decrease in Total Compensation and Benefits was due to a decrease in Performance Compensation of $69.7 million, partially offset by an increase of $18.7 million in Compensation. Performance Compensation decreased as a result of the decrease in Performance Revenues. The increase in Compensation was primarily due to the increase in Management Fees, Net, on which a portion of compensation is based.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

Revenues

Revenues were $1.8 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, a decrease of $544.3 million compared to $2.4 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The decrease in Revenues was primarily attributable to decreases of $664.1 million in Performance Revenues and $52.9 million in Principal Investment Income, partially offset by increases of $114.2 million in Management Fees, Net and $52.4 million in Other Revenue.

Performance Revenues were $920.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, a decrease of $664.1 million compared to $1.6 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Performance Revenues decreased due to the lower net appreciation of investment holdings in our BREP opportunistic funds compared to the comparable quarterperiod in 2017. TheFor the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the carrying value of investments for our BREP opportunistic funds increased 3.5% versus 5.7% in9.2% compared to 15.0% for the comparable quarter innine months ended September 30, 2017. Our core+ real estate funds, real estate debt drawdown and hedge funds appreciated 3.4%, 4.4% and 1.9%, respectively.

Principal Investment Income was $17.4$56.0 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, a decrease of $18.3$52.9 million compared to $35.7$108.9 million for the threenine months ended March 31, 2017. The decrease in Investment Income wasSeptember 30, 2017, primarily due to lower net appreciation of the Partnership’s principal investments.

Total Management Fees, Net were $247.9$809.2 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, an increase of $32.3$114.2 million compared to $215.6$695.0 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2017, primarily driven primarily by an increase in Base Management Fees. Base Management Fees were $226.5$730.3 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, an increase of $28.6$80.5 million compared to $197.9$649.8 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2017, primarily due to AUM growth in our core+ real estate funds, and the launch of BREP Europe V in the fourth quarter of 2016 (and the corresponding expiration of its fee holiday in the second quarter of 2017). and the launch of BREP Asia II in the fourth quarter of 2017, partially offset by a decrease due to the expiration of the BREP VI fund term.

Other Revenue was $13.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $52.4 million compared to $(39.2) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to foreign exchange gain on our euro denominated bonds.

Expenses

Expenses were $292.0$832.6 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, a decrease of $55.3$230.4 million compared to $347.3 million$1.1 billion for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2017. The decrease was primarily dueattributable to a decrease of $53.4$232.8 million in Total Compensation and Benefits. The decrease in Total Compensation and Benefits was primarily dueattributable to a decrease of $63.5$261.0 million in Performance Compensation, partially offset by an increase of

$10.1 $28.2 million in Compensation. The decrease in Performance Compensation was primarily due todecreased as a result of the decrease in Performance Revenues. The increase in Compensation was primarily due to the increase in Management Fees, Revenues.Net, on which a portion of compensation is based.

Fund Returns

Fund return information for our significant funds is included throughout this discussion and analysis to facilitate an understanding of our results of operations for the periods presented. The fund returns information reflected in this discussion and analysis is not indicative of the financial performance of The Blackstone Group L.P. and is also not necessarily indicative of the future performance of any particular fund. An investment in The Blackstone Group L.P. is not an investment in any of our funds. There can be no assurance that any of our funds or our other existing and future funds will achieve similar returns.

The following table presents the internal rates of return, except where noted, of our significant real estate funds:

 

  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 March 31, 2018
Inception to Date
  Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 September 30, 2018
Inception to Date
 
  2018 2017 Realized Total  2018 2017 2018 2017 Realized Total 

Fund (a)

  Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net  Gross   Net   Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net 

BREP IV

   1  1  -2  -1  60  35  22  12  -4  -3  —     —     4  4  1  1  59  34  22  12

BREP V

   1  1  1  1  17  13  14  11  -9  -8  8  7  1  —     11  10  15  12  14  11

BREP VI

   -1  -1  3  3  18  14  17  13  4  3  11  10  4  3  21  17  18  14  17  13

BREP VII

   4  3  4  4  40  29  25  18  2  2  8  6  7  5  15  12  38  28  24  17

BREP VIII

   5  4  6  4  44  28  27  17  5  5  4  3  15  11  18  12  41  28  26  17

BREP International II (b)(c)

   5  4  -1  -1  12  10  9  8  4  3  7  7  19  16  13  12  10  8  9  8

BREP Europe III (b)

   2  1  8  7  32  22  24  16  -10  -7  4  3  -6  -5  19  15  31  21  24  15

BREP Europe IV (b)

   5  3  13  10  38  28  25  18  5  4  2  2  17  13  26  20  35  25  25  18

BREP Europe V (b)

   7  4  N/A   N/A   N/M   N/M   38  20  5  4  10  6  18  13  N/M   N/M   N/M   N/M   31  18

BREP Asia I

   3  2  7  5  32  23  25  17  2  1  3  2  6  4  19  13  30  21  23 ��15

BREP Asia II

  N/M   N/M   N/A   N/A   N/M   N/M   N/A   N/A   N/M   N/M   N/M   N/M 

BREPCo-Investment (d)

   -0  -1  2  2  18  16  18  16  2  2  9  8  5  4  16  15  18  16  18  16

BPP (e)

   3  3  3  3  N/M   N/M   14  12  3  2  3  3  8  7  10  8  N/M   N/M   13  11

BREDS Drawdown

   5  3  4  3  16  12  16  11  2  1  4  3  7  5  12  11  15  11  15  11

BREDS Liquid

   2  2  4  3  N/A   N/A   12  8

BREDS Liquid (f)

  2  2  2  1  8  6  9  7  N/A   N/A   11  8

The returns presented herein represent those of the applicable Blackstone Funds and not those of The Blackstone Group L.P.

 

N/M Not meaningful.

N/A Not applicable.

(a)

Net returns are based on the change in carrying value (realized and unrealized) after management fees, expenses and performance revenues.

(b)

Euro-based internal rates of return.

(c)

The 10%8% Realized Net IRR and 8% Total Net IRR exclude investors that opted out of the Hilton investment opportunity. Overall BREP International II Performance reflects a 9%7% Realized Net IRR and a 6% Total Net IRR.

(d)

Excludes fully realizedco-investments prior to Blackstone’s IPO.

(e)

BPP represents the core+ real estate funds which invest with a more modest risk profile and lower leverage. Excludes BREIT.

(f)

BREDS Liquid represents BREDS funds that invest in liquid real estate debt securities, except funds in liquidation and insurance mandates with specific investment objectives. Effective June 30, 2018, the returns presented represent summarized asset-weighted gross and net rates of return. Inception to Date returns are presented on an annualized basis. Prior periods have been updated to reflect such rates of return.

The following table presentsAs of September 30, 2018, the investment period for BREP International II had expired and the fund was not above its carried interest threshold. BREP International II Investors that opted out of the Hilton investment opportunity are not expected to exceed the carried interest status of our real estate carry funds with expiredthreshold in future periods. However, since gains are not earned pro rata, it is possible that certain BREP International II investors who participated in the Hilton investment periods which are currently not generating performance revenues as of March 31, 2018:opportunity will exceed the carried interest threshold in future periods.

   Gain to Cross Carried Interest Threshold (a) 

Fully Invested Funds

  Amount   % Change in
Total Enterprise
Value (b)
  % Change in
Equity Value
 
   (Amounts in Millions)        

BREP International II (Sep 2005 / Jun 2008)

  859    147  506

(a)The general partner of each fund is allocated carried interest when the annualized returns, net of management fees and expenses, exceed the preferred return as dictated by the fund agreements. The preferred return is calculated for each limited partner individually. The Gain to Cross Carried Interest Threshold represents the increase in equity at the fund level (excluding ourside-by-side investments) that is required for the general partner to begin accruing carried interest, assuming the gain is earned pro-rata across the fund’s investments and is achieved at the reporting date.
(b)Total Enterprise Value is the respective fund’s pro-rata ownership of the privately held portfolio companies’ Enterprise Value.

The Real Estate segment has three funds in their investment period, which were above their respective carried interest thresholds as of March 31,September 30, 2018: BREP VIII, BREP Europe V and BREDS III.

Hedge Fund Solutions

The following table presents the results of operations for our Hedge Fund Solutions segment:

 

 Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended     
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2018 vs. 2017  September 30, 2018 vs. 2017 September 30, 2018 vs. 2017 
  2018 2017 $ %  2018 2017 $ % 2018 2017 $ % 
  (Dollars in Thousands)  (Dollars in Thousands) 

Revenues

             

Management Fees, Net

             

Base Management Fees

  $129,228  $128,468  $760   1 $129,554  $129,410  $144   0 $388,335  $386,576  $1,759   0

Transaction and Other Fees, Net

   345   259   86   33  766   48   718   N/M   1,923   2,003   (80  -4

Management Fee Offsets

  —     (28  28   -100  —     (28  28   -100
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Management Fees, Net

   129,573   128,727   846   1  130,320   129,430   890   1  390,258   388,551   1,707   0
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Performance Revenues

             

Realized Incentive Fees

   8,171   14,087   (5,916  -42  3,847   12,186   (8,339  -68  18,905   32,821   (13,916  -42

Realized Performance Allocations

   2,006   597   1,409   236  138   2,031   (1,893  -93  2,527   3,075   (548  -18

Unrealized Performance Allocations

   5,061   18,815   (13,754  -73  13,171   10,327   2,844   28  28,162   43,991   (15,829  -36
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Performance Revenues

   15,238   33,499   (18,261  -55  17,156   24,544   (7,388  -30  49,594   79,887   (30,293  -38
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Principal Investment Income (Loss)

     

Principal Investment Income

        

Realized

   640   (632  1,272   N/M   2,024   1,316   708   54  10,430   909   9,521   N/M 

Unrealized

   440   18,293   (17,853  -98  8,474   12,723   (4,249  -33  4,073   42,594   (38,521  -90
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Principal Investment Income

   1,080   17,661   (16,581  -94  10,498   14,039   (3,541  -25  14,503   43,503   (29,000  -67

Interest and Dividend Revenue

   4,812   3,997   815   20  6,672   5,316   1,356   26  16,636   13,987   2,649   19

Other

   (10,288  (1,610  (8,678  539  (639  (5,859  5,220   -89  6,692   (18,189  24,881   N/M 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Revenues

   140,415   182,274   (41,859  -23  164,007   167,470   (3,463  -2  477,683   507,739   (30,056  -6
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Expenses

             

Compensation

   50,300   47,604   2,696   6  50,213   44,347   5,866   13  148,599   139,312   9,287   7

Performance Compensation

             

Realized Incentive Fees

   4,034   7,014   (2,980  -42  3,284   5,862   (2,578  -44  11,473   16,973   (5,500  -32

Realized Performance Allocations

   2,415   303   2,112   697  1,314   1,022   292   29  4,666   1,590   3,076   193

Unrealized Performance Allocations

   2,186   6,422   (4,236  -66  4,142   3,541   601   17  9,100   15,931   (6,831  -43
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Compensation and Benefits

   58,935   61,343   (2,408  -4  58,953   54,772   4,181   8  173,838   173,806   32   0

Interest Expense

   6,271   6,543   (272  -4  6,459   6,763   (304  -4  18,630   19,994   (1,364  -7

Other Operating Expenses

   18,785   16,379   2,406   15  20,753   17,958   2,795   16  58,032   50,655   7,377   15
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Expenses

   83,991   84,265   (274  -0  86,165   79,493   6,672   8  250,500   244,455   6,045   2
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Economic Income

  $56,424  $98,009  $(41,585  -42 $77,842  $87,977  $(10,135  -12 $227,183  $263,284  $(36,101  -14
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

N/M Not meaningful.

Three Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2018 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2017

Revenues

Revenues were $140.4$164.0 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, a decrease of $41.9$3.5 million compared to $182.3$167.5 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2017. The decrease in revenuesRevenues was primarily attributable to decreases of $18.3$7.4 million in Performance Revenues and $16.6$3.5 million in Principal Investment Income.Income, partially offset by an increase of $5.2 million in Other Revenue.

Revenues in our Hedge Fund Solutions segment in the firstthird quarter of 2018 decreasedwere modestly lower compared to the firstthird quarter of 2017 primarily driven in part by a decrease inlower Performance Revenues across multiple strategies largely as a result of slightly lower returns in a

resultnumber of higher appreciation in the comparable 2017 quarter. In addition, a larger concentration of Hedge Fund Solutions’Fee-Earnings Assets Under Management eligible for Incentive Fees was above the high water mark during the first quarter of 2017 compared to the first quarter of 2018. Although we are operating against a backdrop of continuing economic strength and improving fundamentals that we expect will benefit our businesses, intereststrategies. Interest rates are expected to rise throughout the remainder of 2018 and will likely increaseinto 2019. To the extent such rise occurs in a strong equity market environment, we do not expect such rise to have a material direct impact on overall revenues in our cost of debt financing. Hedge Fund Solutions segment. Hedge Fund Solutions revenues, however, would likely be negatively impacted if we failed to anticipatein the event of a significant or sustained decline in global, regional or sector asset prices, deterioration of global market conditions, deteriorated, or withdrawal of assets by investors as a result of liquidity needs, performance or other reasons caused investors to withdraw assets.reasons. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Business — Difficult market conditions can adversely affect our business in many ways, including by reducing the value or performance of the investments made by our investment funds and reducing the ability of our investment funds to raise or deploy capital, each of which could materially reduce our revenue, earnings and cash flow and adversely affect our financial prospects and condition” and “— Hedge fund investments are subject to numerous additional risks.” in our Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. The segment operates multiple business lines, manages strategies that are both long and short asset classes and generates a majority of its revenue through management fees, all of which we believe may provide a level of downside protection to Hedge Fund Solutions revenues. Over time we anticipate an increasing change in the mix of our product offerings to products whose performance-based fees represent a more significant proportion of the fees than has historically been the case for such products.

Performance Revenues were $15.2Revenue was $17.2 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, a decrease of $18.3$7.4 million compared to $33.5$24.5 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2017. The decrease was primarily driven by lower returns across a number of strategies, including customized solutions and commingled products, compared to the third quarter of 2017.

Principal Investment Income was $10.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, a decrease of $3.5 million compared to $14.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The decrease was primarily due to lower returns in investments of which Blackstone owns a share compared to the third quarter of 2017.

Other Revenue was $(0.6) million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $5.2 million compared to $(5.9) million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The increase was primarily due to foreign exchange gain on our euro denominated bonds.

Expenses

Expenses were $86.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $6.7 million compared to $79.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The increase was primarily attributable to increases of $4.2 million in Total Compensation and Benefits and $2.8 million in Other Operating Expenses. The increase in Total Compensation and Benefits was due to an increase in Compensation of $5.9 million, partially offset by a decrease of $1.7 million in Performance Compensation. The increase in Compensation was mainly due to a lower deferral on Compensation. Performance Compensation decreased as a result of the decrease in Performance Revenues. The increase in Other Operating Expenses was due to an increase in professional fees.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

Revenues

Revenues were $477.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, a decrease of $30.1 million compared to $507.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The decrease in Revenues was primarily attributable to decreases of $30.3 million in Performance Revenues and $29.0 million in Principal Investment Income, partially offset by an increase of $24.9 million in Other Revenue.

Performance Revenues were $49.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, a decrease of $30.3 million compared to $79.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The decrease was primarily driven by lower returns across a number of strategies, including customized solutions, commingled products, individual investor solutions and specialized solutions, compared to the first three monthsthird quarter of 2017.

Principal Investment Income was $1.1$14.5 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, a decrease of $16.6$29.0 million compared to $17.7$43.5 million for the threenine months ended March 31, 2017,September 30, 2017. The decrease was primarily due to lower returns in investments of which Blackstone owns a share compared to the first threethird quarter of 2017.

Other Revenue was $6.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $24.9 million compared to $(18.2) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase was primarily due to foreign exchange gain on our euro denominated bonds.

Expenses

Expenses were $84.0$250.5 million for the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, an increase of $6.0 million compared to $244.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase of $7.4 million in Other Operating Expenses, partially offset by a decrease of $0.3$1.4 million comparedin Interest Expense. The increase in Other Operating Expenses was due to $84.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017. While the overall change was flat, Total Compensation and Benefits decreased $2.4 million.an increase in professional fees. The decrease in Total Compensation and BenefitsInterest Expense was primarily due to a decreaselower overall interest expense on Blackstone’s bonds following the October 2017 issuance of $5.1 million in Performance Compensation, partially offset by an increasenew bonds and redemption of $2.7 million in Compensation. Performance Compensation decreased due to the decrease in Performance Revenues. Compensation increased due to the increase in Management Fees Revenues, on which a portion of compensation is based.previously outstanding bonds.

Operating Metrics

The following table presents information regarding our IncentiveFee-Earning Assets Under Management:

 

   Fee-Earning Assets Under
Management Eligible for
Incentive Fees
   Estimated % Above
High Water Mark /
Benchmark (a)
 
   As of March 31,   As of March 31, 
   2017   2018   2017  2018 
   (Dollars in Thousands)        

BAAM-Managed Funds (b)

  $36,953,493   $44,211,985    84  76
   Fee-Earning Assets Under
Management Eligible for
Incentive Fees
   Estimated % Above
High Water Mark /
Benchmark (a)
 
   As of September 30,   As of September 30, 
   2017   2018   2017  2018 
   (Dollars in Thousands)        

BAAM-Managed Funds (b)

  $39,369,024   $44,823,114    89  92

 

(a)

Estimated % Above High Water Mark/Benchmark represents the percentage ofFee-Earning Assets Under Management Eligible for Incentive Fees that as of the dates presented would earn incentive fees when the applicableBAAM-managed fund has positive investment performance relative to a benchmark, where applicable. Incremental positive performance in the applicable Blackstone Funds may cause additional assets to reach their respective High Water Mark or clear a benchmark return, thereby resulting in an increase in Estimated % Above High Water Mark/Benchmark.

(b)

For theBAAM-managed funds, at March 31,September 30, 2018 the incremental appreciation needed for the 24%8% ofFee-Earning Assets Under Management below their respective High Water Marks/Benchmarks to reach their respective High Water Marks/Benchmarks was $495.8$410.4 million, an increase of $58.5$46.9 million, compared to $437.3$363.5 million at March 31,September 30, 2017. Of theFee-Earning Assets Under Management below their respective High Water Marks/Benchmarks as of March 31,September 30, 2018, 76%19% were within 5% of reaching their respective High Water Mark.

Composite Returns

Composite returns information is included throughout this discussion and analysis to facilitate an understanding of our results of operations for the periods presented. The composite returns information reflected in this discussion and analysis is not indicative of the financial performance of The Blackstone Group L.P. and is also not necessarily indicative of the future results of any particular fund. An investment in The Blackstone Group L.P. is not an investment in any of our funds or composites. There can be no assurance that any of our funds or composites or our other existing and future funds or composites will achieve similar returns.

The following table presents the return information of the BAAM Principal Solutions Composite:

 

  Three
Months Ended
March 31,
  Average Annual Returns (a)  Three
Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine
Months Ended
September 30,
  Average Annual Returns (a) 
   Periods Ended
March 31, 2018
  Periods Ended September 30, 2018 
  2018 2017 One
Year
 Three
Year
 Five
Year
 Historical  2018 2017 2018 2017 One
Year
 Three
Year
 Five
Year
 Historical 

Composite

  Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net  Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net 

BAAM Principal Solutions Composite (b)

   1  1  3  2  7  6  4  4  6  5  7  6  2  2  2  2  4  4  7  6  6  5  6  5  6  5  7  6

The returns presented represent those of the applicable Blackstone Funds and not those of The Blackstone Group L.P.

 

(a)

Composite returns present a summarized asset-weighted return measure to evaluate the overall performance of the applicable class of Blackstone Funds.

(b)

BAAM’s Principal Solutions (“BPS”) Composite covers the period from January 2000 to present, although BAAM’s inception date is September 1990. The BPS Composite includes only BAAM-managed commingled and customized multi-manager funds and accounts. None of the other platforms/strategies managed through the Blackstone Hedge Fund Solutions Group are included in the composite (except for investments by BPS funds/accounts directly into those platforms/strategies). BAAM-managed funds in liquidation andnon-fee-paying assets (in the case of net returns) are excluded from the composite. The historical return is from January 1, 2000.

Credit

The following table presents the results of operations for our Credit segment:

 

  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 2018 vs. 2017  Three Months Ended
September 30,
 2018 vs. 2017 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2018 vs. 2017 
  2018 2017 $ %  2018 2017 $ % 2018 2017 $ % 
  (Dollars in Thousands)  (Dollars in Thousands) 

Revenues

             

Management Fees, Net

             

Base Management Fees

  $168,441  $139,905  $28,536   20 $132,071  $133,680  $(1,609  -1 $418,673  $410,706  $7,967   2

Transaction and Other Fees, Net

   2,539   2,508   31   1  5,791   2,883   2,908   101  11,791   9,211   2,580   28

Management Fee Offsets

   (3,317  (17,859  14,542   -81  (3,093  (4,867  1,774   -36  (9,107  (27,379  18,272   -67
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Management Fees, Net

   167,663   124,554   43,109   35  134,769   131,696   3,073   2  421,357   392,538   28,819   7
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Performance Revenues

             

Realized Incentive Fees

   20   29,542   (29,522  -100  55   19,549   (19,494  -100  1,298   77,968   (76,670  -98

Realized Performance Allocations

   39,204   8,797   30,407   346  4,798   23,113   (18,315  -79  57,373   46,950   10,423   22

Unrealized Performance Allocations

   (480  49,631   (50,111  N/M   11,270   43,041   (31,771  -74  103,588   83,833   19,755   24
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Performance Revenues

   38,744   87,970   (49,226  -56  16,123   85,703   (69,580  -81  162,259   208,751   (46,492  -22
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Principal Investment Income (Loss)

             

Realized

   7,025   2,653   4,372   165  2,991   7,346   (4,355  -59  14,098   11,894   2,204   19

Unrealized

   (6,517  7,147   (13,664  N/M   821   (4,320  5,141   N/M   (4,932  4,493   (9,425  N/M 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Principal Investment Income

   508   9,800   (9,292  -95  3,812   3,026   786   26  9,166   16,387   (7,221  -44

Interest and Dividend Revenue

   7,902   5,744   2,158   38  11,450   8,062   3,388   42  29,884   20,420   9,464   46

Other

   (12,701  (1,727  (10,974  635  2,289   (6,831  9,120   N/M   9,261   (21,218  30,479   N/M 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Revenues

   202,116   226,341   (24,225  -11  168,443   221,656   (53,213  -24  631,927   616,878   15,049   2
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Expenses

             

Compensation

   73,474   55,118   18,356   33  62,482   56,532   5,950   11  191,863   168,604   23,259   14

Performance Compensation

             

Realized Incentive Fees

   418   14,118   (13,700  -97  678   10,503   (9,825  -94  864   38,845   (37,981  -98

Realized Performance Allocations

   22,419   4,586   17,833   389  2,848   9,352   (6,504  -70  32,982   21,839   11,143   51

Unrealized Performance Allocations

   (5,723  22,675   (28,398  N/M   6,009   20,869   (14,860  -71  45,128   38,013   7,115   19
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Compensation and Benefits

   90,588   96,497   (5,909  -6  72,017   97,256   (25,239  -26  270,837   267,301   3,536   1

Interest Expense

   7,685   7,845   (160  -2  8,741   8,154   587   7  25,249   24,090   1,159   5

Other Operating Expenses

��  27,739   21,458   6,281   29  31,551   23,237   8,314   36  91,189   72,244   18,945   26
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total Expenses

   126,012   125,800   212   0  112,309   128,647   (16,338  -13  387,275   363,635   23,640   7
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Economic Income

  $76,104  $100,541  $(24,437  -24 $56,134  $93,009  $(36,875  -40 $244,652  $253,243  $(8,591  -3
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

N/M Not meaningful.

Three Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2018 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31,September 30, 2017

Revenues

Revenues were $202.1$168.4 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, a decrease of $24.2$53.2 million compared to $226.3$221.7 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2017. The decrease in revenuesThis change was primarily attributable to decreasesa decrease of $49.2$69.6 million in Performance Revenues, $11.0 million in Other Revenue and $9.3 million in Principal Investment Income, partially offset by an increase of $43.1$9.1 million in Total Management Fees, Net.Other Revenue.

Revenues in our Credit segment in the firstthird quarter of 2018 were lower compared to the firstthird quarter of 2017, primarily driven by lower Performance Revenues as a result of a decrease in Incentive Fees due to a contractual

agreement with FS Investments to conclude our investmentsub-advisory relationship with respect to our BDCs and lower appreciation in our Performing Credit Strategies and Distressed Strategies. While the conclusion of our investmentsub-advisory relationship with FS Investments will adversely affect revenues in the near term, we believe we will replaceApril 2018 and ultimately overtakelower returns in performing credit and distressed strategies. Despite increasing interest rates, the prior level of revenue associated with suchsub-advisory relationship. The lower Performance Revenues were partially offset by higher Management Fees due to the addition of Management Fees generated by Harvest and the receipt of a fixed payment pursuant to a contractual agreement with FS Investments in connection with the conclusion of our sub-advisory relationship with respect to our BDCs. Despite the low interest rate environment remains relatively low. In the third quarter of 2018,

the investment pace across our Credit funds were able to identify attractive investment opportunities, particularly in Europe and floating rate credit, deployingsegment remained active, with $3.2 billion of capital deployed or committing a total of $1.7 billion incommitted during the first quarter of 2018. We believe the impact of U.S. tax reform is a net positive for our Credit segment’s U.S.-based portfolio companies with the exception of highly levered companies where the new limits on interest expense deductibility may offset the law’s other benefits. While interestthird quarter. Interest rates are expected to continue to rise throughout the remainder of 2018 and into 2019. To the extent the rise in the courseinterest rates occurs against a backdrop of 2018,economic strength and improving fundamentals, as expected, it may create investment opportunities for our Credit segment. Interest rate increases could, however, adversely affect Revenues in our Credit segment, although we believe our current portfolio is somewhat insulated because much of our debt portfolio is floating rate, short duration and/or held to maturity. Moreover, such increases are expected to be against a backdrop of continuing economic strength and improving fundamentals, and the rise in interest rates may create investment opportunities. Our Credit segment revenues may however,also be negatively impacted by our failure to accurately assess and react to risk; a sustained period of depressed energy and commodity prices; and weakened market fundamentals that may lead to, among other things, ratings downgrades. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Business — Difficult market conditions can adversely affect our business in many ways, including by reducing the value or performance of the investments made by our investment funds and reducing the ability of our investment funds to raise or deploy capital, each of which could materially reduce our revenue, earnings and cash flow and adversely affect our financial prospects and condition.” in our Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Performance Revenues were $38.7$16.1 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, a decrease of $49.2$69.6 million compared to $88.0$85.7 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2017. This change was primarily attributable to a decrease in Incentive Fees due to a contractual agreement with FS Investments pursuant to which, in connection with the conclusion of oursub-advisory relationship with respect to our BDCs, we received a fixed payment in the quarter and did not otherwise receive Incentive Fees,FS Investments, as well as lower returns in our performing credit strategies and distressed strategies.

Other Revenue was $(12.7)$2.3 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, a decreasean increase of $11.0$9.1 million compared to $(1.7)$(6.8) million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2017, primarily due to foreign exchange lossgain on our euro denominated bonds.

Principal Investment Income was $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, a decrease of $9.3 million, compared to $9.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, primarily due to the unrealized investment losses in Blackstone’s investments in GSO funds, as well as our long only funds.

Total Management Fees, Net were $167.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, an increase of $43.1 million, compared to $124.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in Management Fees due to a contractual agreement with FS Investments pursuant to which, in connection with the conclusion of our sub-advisory relationship with respect to our BDCs, we received a fixed payment in the quarter, as well as the acquisition of Harvest.

The Annualized Base Management Fee Rate decreased from 0.79% at March 31, 2017 to 0.60% at March 31, 2018. The decrease was principally due to the inclusion of our insurance solutions initiative and the related feeramp-up period in the first quarter of 2018.

Expenses

Expenses were $126.0$112.3 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2018, an increasea decrease of $0.2$16.3 million compared to $125.8$128.6 million for the three months ended March 31,September 30, 2017. The increasedecrease in expenses was primarily attributable to a decrease of $25.2 million in Total Compensation and Benefits, partially offset by an increase of $6.3$8.3 million in Other Operating Expenses, partially offset by a decrease of $5.9 million

in Total Compensation and Benefits. The increase in Other Operating Expenses was due to an increase in professional fees, business development and communication and information services.Expenses. The decrease in Total Compensation and Benefits was primarily due to a decrease of $24.3$31.2 million in Performance Compensation, partially offset by an increase of $18.4$6.0 million in Compensation. The decrease in Performance Compensation was primarily due to the decrease in Performance Revenues. The increase in Compensation was primarily due to the acquisition of Harvest and the launch of BIS. The increase in Other Operating Expenses was primarily due to growth in BIS.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

Revenues

Revenues were $631.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $15.0 million compared to $616.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. This change was primarily attributable to increases of $30.5 million in Other Revenue and $28.8 million in Management Fees, Net, partially offset by a decreases of $46.5 million in Performance Revenues and $7.2 million in Principal Investment Income.

Other Revenue was $9.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $30.5 million compared to $(21.2) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to foreign exchange gain on our euro denominated bonds.

Management Fees, Net were $421.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $28.8 million compared to $392.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase was primarily attributable to the addition of management fees as a result of the acquisition of Harvest and the launch of BIS, partially offset by the conclusion of oursub-advisory relationship with FS Investments.

The Annualized Base Management Fee Rate decreased from 0.72% at September 30, 2017 to 0.54% at September 30, 2018. The decrease was principally due to the inclusion of our insurance solutions initiative.

Performance Revenues were $162.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, a decrease of $46.5 million compared to $208.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. This change was primarily attributable to the conclusion of oursub-advisory relationship with FS Investments, partially offset by higher returns in our performing credit strategies and distressed strategies.

Principal Investment Income was $9.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, a decrease of $7.2 million compared to $16.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to the unrealized investment losses in Blackstone’s investments in GSO funds.

Expenses

Expenses were $387.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, an increase of $23.6 million compared to $363.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase in expenses was primarily attributable to increases of $23.3 million in Compensation and $18.9 million in Other Operating Expenses, partially offset by a decrease of $19.7 million in Performance Compensation. The increase in Compensation was due to the increase in Management Fees, Net, on which a portion of compensation is based, as well as the acquisition of Harvest and the launch of BIS. The increase in Other Operating Expenses was primarily due to the growth in our insurance solutions business. The decrease in Performance Compensation was due to the decrease in Performance Revenues.

Fund Returns

Fund return information for our significant businesses is included throughout this discussion and analysis to facilitate an understanding of our results of operations for the periods presented. The fund returns information reflected in this discussion and analysis is not indicative of the financial performance of The Blackstone Group L.P. and is also not necessarily indicative of the future results of any particular fund. An investment in The Blackstone Group L.P. is not an investment in any of our funds. There can be no assurance that any of our funds or our other existing and future funds will achieve similar returns.

The following table presents combined internal rates of return of the segment’s performing credit and distressed strategies funds:

 

  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 March 31,  2018
Inception to Date
   Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  September 30,  2018
Inception to Date
 
  2018 2017   2018 2017 2018 2017 

Composite (a)

  Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net   Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net 

Performing Credit Strategies (b)

   3  2  3  2  15  9   1  1  4  3  9  7  9  6  15  9

Distressed Strategies (c)

   —     -1  3  2  11  7   1  —     3  2  4  2  4  2  11  7

The returns presented herein represent those of the applicable Blackstone Funds and not those of The Blackstone Group L.P.

 

(a)

Net returns are based on the change in carrying value (realized and unrealized) after management fees, expenses and performance revenues, net of tax advances.

(b)

Performing Credit Strategies include mezzanine lending funds, BDCs and other performing credit strategy funds. Performing Credit Strategies’ returns represent the IRR of the combined cash flows of thefee-earning funds exceeding $100 million of fair value at each respective quarter end excluding the Blackstone Funds that were contributed to GSO as part of Blackstone’s acquisition of GSO in March 2008. The inception to date returns are from July 16, 2007.

(c)

Distressed Strategies include stressed/distressed funds, credit alpha strategies and energy strategies. Distressed Strategies’ returns represent the IRR of the combined cash flows of thefee-earning funds exceeding $100 million of fair value at each respective quarter end. The inception to date returns are from August 1, 2005.

As of March 31,September 30, 2018, there was $14.4$15.8 billion of Performance Revenue eligible assets under management invested in Credit strategies that were above the hurdle necessary to generate Incentive Fees or carried interest. This represented 36% of the total Performance Revenue eligible assets at fair value across all Credit strategies.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The following tables set forth the calculations of thenon-GAAP financial measures used by management when assessing the performance of our business. Thesenon-GAAP financial measures are presented without the consolidation of any Blackstone Funds that are consolidated into the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Consequently, allnon-GAAP financial measures exclude the assets, liabilities and operating results related to the Blackstone Funds. See “— Key Financial Measures and Indicators” for our definitions of Economic Income, Economic Net Income, Fee Related Earnings, Distributable Earnings and Adjusted EBITDA.

Effective July 1, 2018, Fee Related Earnings has been redefined to include Fee Related Net Performance Revenues. There was no change to Economic Income and Distributable Earnings. All prior periods have been recast to reflect this definition.

The following table calculates Blackstone’s Fee Related Earnings, Distributable Earnings and Economic Net Income:

LOGO

(a)

Represents the total segment amounts of the respective captions. See Note 18. “Segment Reporting” in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” in “Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements” of this filing.

(b)

Detail on this amount is included in the table below.

The following table calculates the components of Fee Related Earnings, Distributable Earnings and Economic Net Income in the above table identified by note (b):

LOGO

(a)

Represents the Fee Related component of each of the captions.

(b)

Represents the total segment amounts of the respective captions. See Note 18. “Segment Reporting” in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” in “Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements” of this filing.

(c)

Represents the equity-based compensation expense component of Compensation.

(d)

Represents the total equity-based compensation expense component of Realized Incentive Fees Compensation and Realized Performance Allocations Compensation.

(e)

Taxes and Related Payables represent the total GAAP tax provision adjusted to include only the current tax provision (benefit) calculated on Income (Loss) Before Provision for Taxes and to exclude the tax impact on any divestitures and the Payable Under Tax Receivable Agreement.

(f)

Representstax-related payables including the Payable Under Tax Receivable Agreement, which is a component of Taxes and Related Payables.

(g)

Represents all equity-based compensation expenses included in Economic Income. This excludes all transaction-related equity-based charges.

The following table is a reconciliation of Net Income Attributable to The Blackstone Group L.P. to Economic Income, of Economic Income to Economic Net Income, of Economic Net Income to Fee Related Earnings, of Fee Related Earnings to Distributable Earnings and of Distributable Earnings to Adjusted EBITDA:

LOGO

(a)

This adjustment removes Transaction-Related Charges. Transaction-Related Charges arise from corporate actions including acquisitions, divestitures, and Blackstone’s initial public offering. They consist primarily of equity-based compensation charges, gains and losses on contingent consideration arrangements, changes in the

balance of the tax receivable agreement resulting from a change in tax law or similar event, transaction costs and any gain or losses associated with these corporate actions.
(b)

This adjustment adds the amortization of transaction-related intangibles including intangibles associated with Blackstone’s investment in Pátria, which is accounted for under the equity method.

(c)

This adjustment represents the effect of consolidating Blackstone Funds, the elimination of Blackstone’s interest in these funds, the increase to revenue representing the reimbursement of certain expenses by Blackstone Funds, which are presented gross under GAAP by netted against Other Operating Expenses in the segment presentation, and the removal of amounts associated with the ownership of Blackstone consolidated operating partnerships held bynon-controlling interests.

(d)

Taxes represent the total GAAP tax provision adjusted to include only the current tax provision (benefit) calculated on Income (Loss) Before Provision for Taxes and adjusted to exclude the tax impact on any divestitures.

(e)

This adjustment removes total segment Performance Revenues.

(f)

This adjustment removes total segment Principal Investment Income (Loss).

(g)

This adjustment removes total segment Other Revenues.

(h)

This adjustment removes total segment Interest and Dividend Revenue less total segment Interest Expense.

(i)

This adjustment removes the total segment amount of Performance Compensation, comprised of Incentive Fee Compensation and Performance Allocations Compensation.

(j)

Fee Related Net Performance Revenues refers to the realized portion of Performance Revenues from Perpetual Capital that are (1) measured and received on a recurring basis and (2) not dependent on realization events from the underlying investments (“Fee Related Performance Revenues”), net of directly related cash compensation expense.

(k)

This adjustment removes the component of total segment Compensation that is equity-based.

(l)

This adjustment adds the total segment amounts or Realized Incentive Fees and Realized Performance Allocations, net of realized Performance Compensation.

(m)

This adjustment adds the total segment amount of Realized Principal Investment Income.

(n)

Taxes and Related Payables Including Payable Under Tax Receivable Agreement represent the total GAAP tax provision adjusted to include only the current tax provision (benefit) calculated on Income (Loss) Before Provision for Taxes and to exclude the tax impact on any divestitures and the Payable Under Tax Receivable Agreement.

(o)

This adjustment adds back the total segment amount of Interest Expense.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

General

Blackstone’s business model derives revenue primarily from third party assets under management. Blackstone is not a capital or balance sheet intensive business and targets operating expense levels such that total management and advisory fees exceed total operating expenses each period. As a result, we require limited capital resources to support the working capital or operating needs of our businesses. We draw primarily on the long-term committed capital of our limited partner investors to fund the investment requirements of the Blackstone Funds and use our own realizations and cash flows to invest in growth initiatives, make commitments to our own funds, where our

minimum general partner commitments are generally less than 5% of the limited partner commitments of a fund, and pay distributions to unitholders.

Fluctuations in our statement of financial condition result primarily from activities of the Blackstone Funds which are consolidated as well as business transactions, such as the issuance of senior notes described below. The majority economic ownership interests of the Blackstone Funds are reflected as RedeemableNon-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities andNon-Controlling Interests in Consolidated Entities in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The consolidation of these Blackstone Funds has no net effect on the Partnership’s Net Income or Partners’ Capital. Additionally, fluctuations in our statement of financial condition also include appreciation or depreciation in Blackstone investments in the Blackstone Funds, additional investments and

redemptions of such interests in the Blackstone Funds and the collection of receivables related to management and advisory fees.

Total assets were $28.0$30.5 billion as of March 31,September 30, 2018, a net decrease of $6.5$4.0 billion from December 31, 2017. The decrease was due to a decrease of $6.0 billion in total assets attributable to consolidated Blackstone funds, partially offset by an increase of $2.0 billion in total assets attributable to the consolidated operating partnerships. The decrease in total assets attributable to consolidated Blackstone funds was principallyprimarily due to a decrease of $8.9 billion from the deconsolidation of CLOs and other fund entities, partially offset by an increase of $1.6$2.7 billion from the launch of new consolidated CLOs. The increase in total assets attributable to the consolidated operating partnerships was primarily due to an increase in investments.

Total liabilities were $14.4$15.8 billion as of March 31,September 30, 2018, a net decrease of $6.3$4.9 billion from December 31, 2017. The decrease was principally due to a decrease of $5.6 billion in total liabilities attributable to consolidated Blackstone funds. The decrease in total liabilities attributable to consolidated Blackstone funds was principallyprimarily due to a decrease of $8.7 billion from the deconsolidation of CLOs and other fund entities, partially offset by an increase of $1.6$2.7 billion from the launch of new consolidated CLOs.

The deconsolidation of the CLOs and fund vehicles was the result of the dilution of Blackstone’s ownership interests in these vehicles during the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018. As a result of the dilution, Blackstone determined that it was no longer the primary beneficiary of these VIEs under GAAP guidance and deconsolidated these vehicles. See Note 9. “Variable Interest Entities” in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” in “Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements” of this filing.

For the three months ended March 31, 2018, we had Total Fee Related Revenues of $736.0 million and related expenses of $403.2 million, generating Fee Related Earnings of $332.9 million and Distributable Earnings of $502.1 million.

Sources and Uses of Liquidity

We have multiple sources of liquidity to meet our capital needs, including annual cash flows, accumulated earnings in the businesses, the proceeds from our issuances of senior notes, liquid investments we hold on our balance sheet for our own use and access to our $1.5$1.6 billion committed revolving credit facility. On September 21, 2018, Blackstone amended and restated its revolving credit facility to, among other things, increase the amount of the revolving credit facility from $1.5 billion to $1.6 billion and to extend the maturity date of the revolving credit facility from August 31, 2021 to September 21, 2023. As of March 31,September 30, 2018, Blackstone had $1.7$1.9 billion in cash and cash equivalents, $2.7$3.5 billion invested in corporate treasury investments, $2.0 billion invested in Blackstone Funds and other investments, against $3.6$3.5 billion in borrowings from our bond issuances, and no borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility.

In addition to the cash we received from our debt offerings and availability under our committed revolving credit facility, we expect to receive (a) cash generated from operating activities, (b) carried interest and incentive fee realizations, and (c) realizations on the carry and hedge fund investments that we make. The amounts received from these three sources in particular may vary substantially from year to year and quarter to quarter depending on the frequency and size of realization events or net returns experienced by our investment funds. Our available capital could be adversely affected if there are prolonged periods of few substantial realizations from our investment funds accompanied by substantial capital calls for new investments from those investment funds. Therefore, Blackstone’s commitments to our funds are taken into consideration when managing our overall liquidity and cash position.

We expect that our primary liquidity needs will be cash to (a) provide capital to facilitate the growth of our existing businesses which principally includes funding our general partner andco-investment commitments to our funds, (b) provide capital to facilitate our expansion into new businesses that are complementary, (c) pay operating expenses, including cash compensation to our employees and other obligations as they arise, (d) fund modest capital expenditures, (e) repay borrowings and related interest costs, (f) pay income taxes, (g) repurchase our common units and (g)Blackstone Holdings partnership units, and (h) make distributions to our unitholders and the holders of

unitholders and the holders of Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units. Our own capital commitments to our funds, the funds we invest in and our investment strategies as of March 31,September 30, 2018 consisted of the following:

 

  Blackstone and General
Partner
   Senior Managing Directors
and Certain Other
Professionals (a)
   Blackstone and General
Partner
   Senior Managing Directors
and Certain Other
Professionals (a)
 

Fund

  Original
Commitment
   Remaining
Commitment
   Original
Commitment
   Remaining
Commitment
   Original
Commitment
   Remaining
Commitment
   Original
Commitment
   Remaining
Commitment
 
  (Dollars in Thousands)   (Dollars in Thousands) 

Private Equity

                

BCP V

  $629,356   $30,730   $—     $—     $629,356   $30,642   $—     $—   

BCP VI

   719,718    106,079    250,000    36,847    719,718    107,468    250,000    37,330 

BCP VII

   500,000    386,073    225,000    173,733    500,000    315,621    225,000    142,029 

BEP I

   50,000    4,703    —      —      50,000    4,703    —      —   

BEP II

   80,000    45,096    26,667    15,032    80,000    41,751    26,667    13,917 

BEP III

   63,966    63,966    21,322    21,322 

BCEP

   120,000    86,023    18,992    13,615    120,000    66,408    18,992    10,510 

BCP Asia

   34,719    34,719    11,573    11,573    40,000    37,961    13,333    12,654 

Tactical Opportunities

   366,359    161,372    104,386    53,791    401,520    208,874    116,107    69,625 

Strategic Partners

   409,688    249,051    58,627    32,870    409,738    230,375    58,627    31,020 

BIP

   112,333    112,333    —      —   

Other (b)

   248,592    27,661    —      —      248,592    24,743    —      —   

Real Estate

                

BREP VI

   750,000    36,809    150,000    7,362 

BREP VII

   300,000    45,426    100,000    15,142    300,000    45,290    100,000    15,097 

BREP VIII

   300,000    162,287    100,000    54,096    300,000    142,711    100,000    47,570 

BREP Europe III

   100,000    13,231    35,000    4,410    100,000    13,231    35,000    4,631 

BREP Europe IV

   130,000    23,966    43,333    7,989    130,000    23,842    43,333    7,947 

BREP Europe V

   150,000    90,745    43,333    26,215    150,000    69,230    43,333    20,000 

BREP Asia I

   50,000    16,421    16,667    5,474    50,000    15,103    16,667    5,034 

BREP Asia II

   68,684    65,614    22,895    21,871    70,707    67,325    23,569    22,442 

BREDS II

   50,000    11,311    16,667    3,770    50,000    6,227    16,667    2,076 

BREDS III

   50,000    32,528    16,667    10,843    50,000    25,084    16,667    8,361 

Other (b)

   186,811    41,074    —      —      152,701    26,674    —      —   

Hedge Fund Solutions

                

Strategic Alliance

   50,000    2,033    —      —      50,000    2,033    —      —   

Strategic Alliance II

   50,000    1,482    —      —      50,000    1,482    —      —   

Strategic Alliance III

   22,000    19,769    —      —      22,000    19,769    —      —   

Strategic Holdings LP

   154,610    110,266    —      —      154,610    108,855    —      —   

Other (b)

   3,320    2,016    —      —      3,200    1,867    —      —   

Credit

                

Capital Opportunities Fund II LP

   120,000    34,439    110,527    31,720    120,000    34,439    110,527    31,720 

Capital Opportunities Fund III LP

   130,783    98,285    29,854    22,410    130,783    86,983    30,431    20,512 

GSO Euro Senior Debt Fund LP

   63,000    31,176    57,216    28,314    63,000    28,308    57,194    25,699 

BMezz II

   17,692    160    —      —      17,692    160    —      —   

GSO Capital Solutions

   50,000    6,398    27,666    3,540    50,000    6,398    27,666    3,540 

GSO Capital Solutions II

   125,000    59,718    120,534    57,584    125,000    59,718    120,534    57,584 

GSO Capital Solutions III

   151,000    151,000    29,785    29,785    151,000    143,718    30,542    29,074 

GSO Energy Select Opportunities Fund

   80,000    49,451    74,803    46,239    80,000    43,819    74,740    40,937 

GSO Energy Select Opportunities Fund II

   23,035    23,035    —      —   

GSO Credit Alpha Fund LP

   52,102    7,815    50,285    7,543    52,102    7,465    50,285    7,205 

GSO Credit Alpha Fund II LP

   25,500    23,781    5,979    5,576 

Other (b)

   128,938    43,183    33,663    8,476    144,727    60,509    31,768    8,336 

Other

                

Treasury

   115,715    33,709    —      —      299,132    134,493    —      —   
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 
  $6,608,087   $2,321,819   $1,774,140   $730,244   $6,290,412   $2,466,394   $1,664,950   $701,748 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

 

(a)

For some of the general partner commitments shown in the table above, we require our senior managing directors and certain other professionals to fund a portion of the commitment even though the ultimate obligation to fund the aggregate commitment is ours pursuant to the governing agreements of the respective funds. The amounts of the aggregate applicable general partner original and remaining commitment are shown in the table above. In addition, certain senior managing directors and other professionals are required to fund a de minimis amount of the commitment in the other private equity, real estate and credit-focused carry funds. We expect our commitments to be drawn down over time and to be funded by available cash and cash generated from operations and realizations. Taking into account prevailing market conditions and both the liquidity and cash or liquid investment balances, we believe that the sources of liquidity described above will be more than sufficient to fund our working capital requirements.

(b)

Represents capital commitments to a number of other funds in each respective segment.

As of March 31,September 30, 2018, Blackstone Holdings Finance Co. L.L.C. (the “Issuer”), an indirect subsidiary of the Partnership, had issued and outstanding the following senior notes (collectively the “Notes”):

 

Senior Notes (a)

  Aggregate
Principal
Amount
(Dollars/Euros
in Thousands)
   Aggregate
Principal
Amount
(Dollars/Euros
in Thousands)
 

5.875%, Due 3/15/2021

  $400,000   $400,000 

4.750%, Due 2/15/2023

  $400,000   $400,000 

2.000%, Due 5/19/2025

  300,000 

1.000%, Due 10/5/2026

  600,000 

3.150%, Due 10/2/2027

  $300,000 

6.250%, Due 8/15/2042

  $250,000   $250,000 

5.000%, Due 6/15/2044

  $500,000   $500,000 

4.450%, Due 7/15/2045

  $350,000   $350,000 

2.000%, Due 5/19/2025

  300,000 

1.000%, Due 10/5/2026

  600,000 

3.150%, Due 10/2/2027

  $300,000 

4.000%, Due 10/2/2047

  $300,000   $300,000 

 

(a)

The Notes are unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of the Issuer and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by The Blackstone Group L.P. and each of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships. The Notes contain customary covenants and financial restrictions that, among other things, limit the Issuer and the guarantors’ ability, subject to certain exceptions, to incur indebtedness secured by liens on voting stock or profit participating equity interests of their subsidiaries or merge, consolidate or sell, transfer or lease assets. The Notes also contain customary events of default. All or a portion of the Notes may be redeemed at our option, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time, prior to their stated maturity, at the make-whole redemption price set forth in the Notes. If a change of control repurchase event occurs, the Notes are subject to repurchase at the repurchase price as set forth in the Notes.

Blackstone, through indirect subsidiaries, has a $1.5$1.6 billion unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agentadministrative agent with a maturity date of August 31, 2021.September 21, 2023. Borrowings may also be made in U.K. sterling, euros, Swiss francs, or Japanese yen or Canadian dollars, in each case subject to certainsub-limits. The Credit Facility contains customary representations, covenants and events of default. Financial covenants consist of a maximum net leverage ratio and a requirement to keep a minimum amount offee-earning assets under management, each tested quarterly.

In January 2008,On April 16, 2018, the Board of Directors of our general partner, Blackstone Group Management L.L.C., had authorized the repurchase of up to $500 million of our common units and Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, no units were repurchased. As of March 31, 2018, the amount remaining under this program available for repurchases was $335.8 million.

On April 16, 2018, Blackstone announced that its Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $1.0 billion of Blackstone common units and Blackstone Holdings partnership units, increasing the $335.8 million of

repurchase authorization remaining under the prior authorization.Partnership Units. Under the unit repurchase program, units may be repurchased from time to time in open market transactions, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. The timing and the actual number of units repurchased will depend on a variety of factors, including legal requirements, price and economic and market conditions. The unit repurchase program may be changed, suspended or discontinued at any time and does not have a specified expiration date.

Distributable Earnings, Fee Related Earnings and Economic Net Income

We use Distributable Earnings, which is derived from our segment reported results, as a supplementalnon-GAAP measure to assess performance and amounts available for distributions to Blackstone unitholders, including Blackstone personnel and others who are limited partners of the Blackstone Holdings partnerships. Distributable Earnings is intended to show the amount of net realized earnings without the effects of the consolidation of the Blackstone Funds. Distributable Earnings is derived from and reconciled to, but not equivalent to, its most directly comparable GAAP measure of Income (Loss) Before Provision for Taxes. Distributable Earnings, which is a component of Economic Net Income, is the sum across all segments of: (a) Total Management, Advisory and Other Fees, Net, (b) Interest and Dividend Revenue, (c) Realized Incentive Fees, (d) Realized Performance Allocations, and (e) Realized Principal Investment Income (Loss); less (a) Compensation, excluding the expense of equity-based awards, (b) Realized Incentive Fee Compensation, (c) Realized Performance Allocations Compensation, (d) Interest Expense, (e) Other Operating Expenses, and (f) Taxes and Related Payables Under the Tax Receivable Agreement.

The following table calculates Blackstone’s Fee Related Earnings, Distributable EarningsDuring the three and Economic Net Income:

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(a)Represents the total segment amountsnine months ended September 30, 2018, we repurchased 6.0 million and 8.2 million Blackstone common units as part of the respective captions. See Note 18. “Segment Reporting” in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” in “Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements” of this filing.
(b)Detail on this amount is included in the table below.

The following calculates the componentsunit repurchase program at a total cost of Fee Related Earnings, Distributable Earnings$218.4 million and Economic Net Income in$290.1 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2018, the above table identified by note (b):amount remaining available for repurchases under the program was $709.9 million.

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(a)Represents the total segment amounts of the respective captions. See Note 18. “Segment Reporting” in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” in “Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements” of this filing.
(b)Represents equity-based award expense included in Economic Income, which excludes all transaction-related equity-based charges.
(c)Taxes and Related Payables represent the total GAAP tax provision adjusted to include only the current tax provision (benefit) calculated on Income (Loss) Before Provision for Taxes and to exclude the tax impact on any divestitures and the Payable Under Tax Receivable Agreement.
(d)Representstax-related payables including the Payable Under Tax Receivable Agreement, which is a component of Taxes and Related Payables.

The following table is a reconciliation of Net Income Attributable to The Blackstone Group L.P. to Economic Income, of Economic Income to Economic Net Income, of Economic Net Income to Fee Related Earnings, of Fee Related Earnings to Distributable Earnings and of Distributable Earnings to Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes and Depreciation and Amortization:

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(a)This adjustment adds back to Income (Loss) Before Provision (Benefit) for Taxes amounts for Transaction-Related Charges which include principally equity-based compensation charges associated with Blackstone’s initial public offering and certain long-term retention programs outside of annual deferred compensation, adjustments to the Tax Receivable Agreement Liability and other corporate actions.
(b)This adjustment adds back to Income (Loss) Before Provision (Benefit) for Taxes amounts for the Amortization of Intangibles which are associated with Blackstone’s initial public offering and other corporate actions.
(c)This adjustment adds back to Income (Loss) Before Provision (Benefit) for Taxes the amount of (Income) Loss Associated withNon-Controlling Interests of Consolidated Entities.
(d)Taxes represent the total GAAP tax provision adjusted to include only the current tax provision (benefit) calculated on Income (Loss) Before Provision for Taxes and adjusted to exclude the tax impact on any divestitures.
(e)This adjustment removes from Economic Income the total segment amount of Performance Revenues, comprised of Incentive Fees and Performance Allocations.
(f)This adjustment removes from Economic Income the total segment amount of Principal Investment Income (Loss).
(g)This adjustment removes from Economic Income the total segment amount of Other Revenue.
(h)This adjustment represents Interest Income and Dividend Revenue less Interest Expense.
(i)This adjustment removes from expenses the compensation and benefit amounts related to Blackstone’s profit sharing plans related to Performance Revenues, including Performance Compensation Related equity-based award expense.
(j)RepresentsNon-Performance Compensation Related equity-based award expense and excludes all transaction-related equity-based charges.
(k)Represents the adjustment for realized Performance Revenues net of corresponding actual amounts due under Blackstone’s profit sharing plans related thereto.
(l)Represents the adjustment for Blackstone’s Realized Principal Investment Income (Loss).
(m)Taxes and Related Payables Including Payable Under Tax Receivable Agreement represent the total GAAP tax provision adjusted to include only the current tax provision (benefit) calculated on Income (Loss) Before Provision for Taxes and to exclude the tax impact on any divestitures and the Payable Under Tax Receivable Agreement.
(n)Represents Total Segment Interest Expense.

Distributions

Distributable Earnings, which is derived from Blackstone’s segment reported results, is a supplemental measure to assess performance and amounts available for distributions to Blackstone unitholders, including Blackstone personnel and others who are limited partners of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships. Distributable Earnings is intended to show the amount of net realized earnings without the effects of the consolidation of the Blackstone Funds. Distributable Earnings, which is a component of Economic Net Income, is the sum across all segments of: (a) Total Management, Advisory and Other Fees, Net, (b) Interest and Dividend Revenue, (c) Realized Incentive Fees, (d) Realized Performance Allocations, and (e) Realized Principal Investment Income (Loss); less (a) Compensation, excluding the expense of equity-based awards, (b) Realized Incentive Fee Compensation, (c) Realized Performance Allocations Compensation, (d) Interest Expense, (e) Other Operating Expenses, and (f) Taxes and Related Payables Including the Payable Under Tax Receivable Agreement.

Our intention is to distribute quarterly to common unitholders approximately 85% of The Blackstone Group L.P.’s share of Distributable Earnings, subject to adjustment by amounts determined by Blackstone’s general partner to be necessary or appropriate to provide for the conduct of its business, to make appropriate investments in its business and funds, to comply with applicable law, any of its debt instruments or other agreements, or to provide for future cash requirements such astax-related payments, clawback obligations and distributions to unitholders for any ensuing quarter. The amount to be distributed could also be adjusted upward in any one quarter.

All of the foregoing is subject to the qualification that the declaration and payment of any distributions are at the sole discretion of our general partner and our general partner may change our distribution policy at any time, including, without limitation, to reduce the quarterly distribution payable to our common unitholders or even to eliminate such distributions entirely.

Because the subsidiaries of The Blackstone Group L.P. must pay taxes and make payments under the tax receivable agreements, the amounts ultimately distributed by The Blackstone Group L.P. to its common unitholders in respect of each fiscal year are generally expected to be less, on a per unit basis, than the amounts distributed by the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships to the Blackstone personnel and others who are limited partners of the Blackstone Holdings Partnerships in respect of their Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units.

The following graph shows fiscal quarterly and annual per common unitholder distributions for 2017 and 2018. Distributions are declared and paid in the quarter subsequent to the quarter in which they are earned.

 

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With respect to the firstthird quarter of fiscal year 2018, we have paid to common unitholders a distribution of $0.35$0.64 per common unit.unit, aggregating $1.57 per common unit in respect of the nine months ended

September 30, 2018. The fiscal 2018 per common unit distributions of $0.64 and $1.57 include $0.10 and $0.20 per common unit, respectively, distributed from a portion of theafter-tax proceeds from the conclusion of Blackstone’ssub-advisory relationship with FS Investments as noted below. With respect to fiscal year 2017, we paid common unitholders aggregate distributions of $2.70 per common unit.

In addition, Blackstone intends to distribute a portion of theafter-tax proceeds received from the April 9, 2018 conclusion of itssub-advisorsub-advisory relationship with FS Investments, to unitholders resulting in an anticipated incremental $0.30 per common unit and per Blackstone Holdings Partnership unit over the next three quarters. See “—Notable Transactions”.second, third and fourth quarters of 2018, of which $0.10 per common unit was distributed on each of August 6, 2018 and November 5, 2018.

Leverage

We may under certain circumstances use leverage opportunistically and over time to create the most efficient capital structure for Blackstone and our public common unitholders. In addition to the borrowings from our bond issuances and our revolving credit facility, we may use reverse repurchase agreements, repurchase agreements and securities sold, not yet purchased. All of these positions are held in a separately managed portfolio. Reverse

repurchase agreements are entered into primarily to take advantage of opportunistic yields otherwise absent in the overnight markets and also to use the collateral received to cover securities sold, not yet purchased. Repurchase agreements are entered into primarily to opportunistically yield higher spreads on purchased securities. The balances held in these financial instruments fluctuate based on Blackstone’s liquidity needs, market conditions and investment risk profiles.

Generally our funds in our private equity segment, our opportunistic real estate funds, funds of hedge funds and certain credit-focused funds have not utilized substantial leverage at the fund level other than for (a) short-term borrowings between the date of an investment and the receipt of capital from the investing fund’s investors, and (b) long-term borrowings for certain investments in aggregate amounts which are generally 1% to 25% of the capital commitments of the respective fund. Our carry funds make direct or indirect investments in companies that utilize leverage in their capital structure. The degree of leverage employed varies among portfolio companies.

Certain of our Real Estate debt hedge funds, Hedge Fund Solutions funds andcredit-focused funds use leverage in order to obtain additional market exposure, enhance returns on invested capital and/or to bridge short-term cash needs. The forms of leverage primarily employed by these funds include purchasing securities on margin, utilizing collateralized financing and using derivative instruments.

The following table presents information regarding these financial instruments in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition:

 

  Repurchase
Agreements
   Securities
Sold, Not Yet
Purchased
   Repurchase
Agreements
   Securities
Sold, Not Yet
Purchased
 
  (Dollars in Millions)   (Dollars in Millions) 

Balance, March 31, 2018

  $142.5   $167.5 

Balance, September 30, 2018

  $199.5   $166.3 

Balance, December 31, 2017

  $118.8   $154.4   $118.8   $154.4 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018

    

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018

    

Average Daily Balance

  $131.3   $170.0   $168.4   $155.5 

Maximum Daily Balance

  $145.9   $174.7   $208.5   $174.7 

Contractual Obligations, Commitments and Contingencies

The following table sets forth information relating to our contractual obligations as of March 31,September 30, 2018 on a consolidated basis and on a basis deconsolidating the Blackstone Funds:

 

Contractual Obligations

  April 1, 2018 to
December 31, 2018
 2019-2020 2021-2022 Thereafter Total  October 1, 2018 to
December 31, 2018
 2019-2020 2021-2022 Thereafter Total 
  (Dollars in Thousands)  (Dollars in Thousands) 

Operating Lease Obligations (a)

  $59,488  $143,575  $156,476  $345,144  $704,683  $20,048  $146,443  $159,353  $351,452  $677,296 

Purchase Obligations

   28,456   21,077   1,799   —     51,332   14,405   33,615   4,119   —     52,139 

Blackstone Issued Notes and Revolving Credit Facility (b)

   —     —     400,000   3,207,000   3,607,000   —     —     400,000   3,144,360   3,544,360 

Interest on Blackstone Issued Notes and Revolving Credit Facility (c)

   98,064   269,820   234,570   1,616,635   2,219,089   30,189   268,150   232,900   1,613,712   2,144,951 

Blackstone Funds and CLO Vehicles Debt Obligations Payable (d)

   2,819   —     —     5,900,160   5,902,979   —     —     —     6,864,223   6,864,223 

Interest on Blackstone Funds and CLO Vehicles Debt Obligations Payable (e)

   143,507   382,540   382,540   1,411,733   2,320,320   62,937   503,496   503,496   1,851,741   2,921,670 

Blackstone Funds Capital Commitments to Investee Funds (f)

   397,329   —     —     —     397,329   564,059   —     —     —     564,059 

Due to CertainNon-Controlling Interest Holders in Connection with Tax Receivable Agreements (g)

   —     152,885   132,205   461,397   746,487   —     159,835   137,032   498,027   794,894 

Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Including Interest and Penalties (h)

   2,625   —     —     —     2,625   2,412   —     —     —     2,412 

Blackstone Operating Entities Capital Commitments to Blackstone Funds and Other (i)

   2,321,819   —     —     —     2,321,819   2,466,394   —     —     —     2,466,394 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Consolidated Contractual Obligations

   3,054,107   969,897   1,307,590   12,942,069   18,273,663   3,160,444   1,111,539   1,436,900   14,323,515   20,032,398 

Blackstone Funds and CLO Vehicles Debt Obligations Payable (d)

   (2,819  —     —     (5,900,160  (5,902,979  —     —     —     (6,864,223  (6,864,223

Interest on Blackstone Funds and CLO Vehicles Debt Obligations Payable (e)

   (143,507  (382,540  (382,540  (1,411,733  (2,320,320  (62,937  (503,496  (503,496  (1,851,741  (2,921,670

Blackstone Funds Capital Commitments to Investee Funds (f)

   (397,329  —     —     —     (397,329  (564,059  —     —     —     (564,059
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Blackstone Operating Entities Contractual Obligations

  $2,510,452  $587,357  $925,050  $5,630,176  $9,653,035  $2,533,448  $608,043  $933,404  $5,607,551  $9,682,446 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

(a)

We lease our primary office space and certain office equipment under agreements that expire through 2030. In connection with certain office space lease agreements, we are responsible for escalation payments. The contractual obligation table above includes only guaranteed minimum lease payments for such leases and does not project potential escalation or other lease-related payments. These leases are classified as operating leases for financial statement purposes and as such are not recorded as liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. The amounts are presented net of contractual sublease commitments.

(b)

Represents the principal amount due on the senior notes we issued. As of March 31,September 30, 2018, we had no outstanding borrowings under our revolver.

(c)

Represents interest to be paid over the maturity of our senior notes and borrowings under our revolving credit facility which has been calculated assuming nopre-payments are made and debt is held until its final maturity date. These amounts exclude commitment fees for unutilized borrowings under our revolver.

(d)

These obligations are those of the Blackstone Funds including the consolidated CLO vehicles.

(e)

Represents interest to be paid over the maturity of the related consolidated Blackstone Funds’ and CLO vehicles’ debt obligations which has been calculated assuming nopre-payments will be made and debt will be

held until its final maturity date. The future interest payments are calculated using variable rates in effect as of March 31,September 30, 2018, at spreads to market rates pursuant to the financing agreements, and range from 2.1%0.8% to 8.5%8.7%. The majority of the borrowings are due on demand and for purposes of this schedule are assumed to mature within one year. Interest on the majority of these borrowings rolls over into the principal balance at each reset date.

(f)

These obligations represent commitments of the consolidated Blackstone Funds to make capital contributions to investee funds and portfolio companies. These amounts are generally due on demand and are therefore presented in the less than one year category.

(g)

Represents obligations by the Partnership’s corporate subsidiary to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements to certainnon-controlling interest holders for the tax savings realized from the taxable purchases of their interests in connection with the reorganization at the time of Blackstone’s IPO in 2007 and subsequent purchases. The obligation represents the amount of the payments currently expected to be made, which are dependent on the tax savings actually realized as determined annually without discounting for the timing of the payments. As required by GAAP, the amount of the obligation included in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and shown in Note 16. “Related Party Transactions” (see “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in “Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements”) of this filing) differs to reflect the net present value of the payments due to certainnon-controlling interest holders.

(h)

The total represents gross unrecognized tax benefits of $1.2$1.1 million and interest and penalties of $1.4 million. In addition, Blackstone is not able to make a reasonably reliable estimate of the timing of payments in individual years in connection with gross unrecognized benefits of $15.5$17.8 million and interest of $1.5$1.7 million; therefore, such amounts are not included in the above contractual obligations table.

(i)

These obligations represent commitments by us to provide general partner capital funding to the Blackstone Funds, limited partner capital funding to other funds and Blackstone principal investment commitments. These amounts are generally due on demand and are therefore presented in the less than one year category; however, a substantial amount of the capital commitments are expected to be called over the next three years. We expect to continue to make these general partner capital commitments as we raise additional amounts for our investment funds over time.

Guarantees

Blackstone and certain of its consolidated funds provide financial guarantees. The amounts and nature of these guarantees are described in Note 17. “Commitments and Contingencies — Contingencies — Guarantees” in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” in “Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements” of this filing.

Indemnifications

In many of its service contracts, Blackstone agrees to indemnify the third party service provider under certain circumstances. The terms of the indemnities vary from contract to contract and the amount of indemnification liability, if any, cannot be determined and has not been included in the table above or recorded in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of March 31,September 30, 2018.

Clawback Obligations

Performance Allocations are subject to clawback to the extent that the Performance Allocations received to date with respect to a fund exceeds the amount due to Blackstone based on cumulative results of that fund. The actual clawback liability, however, generally does not become realized until the end of a fund’s life except for certain Blackstone real estate funds, multi-asset class investment funds and credit-focused funds, which may have an interim clawback liability. The lives of the carry funds, including available contemplated extensions, for which a liability for potential clawback obligations has been recorded for financial reporting purposes, are currently anticipated to expire at various points through 2028. Further extensions of such terms may be implemented under given circumstances.

For financial reporting purposes, when applicable, the general partners record a liability for potential clawback obligations to the limited partners of some of the carry funds due to changes in the unrealized value of a fund’s remaining investments and where the fund’s general partner has previously received Performance Allocation distributions with respect to such fund’s realized investments.

As of March 31,September 30, 2018, the total clawback obligations were $2.2$2.8 million, of which $1.1$1.3 million related to Blackstone Holdings and $1.1$1.5 million related to current and former Blackstone personnel. If, at March 31,September 30, 2018, all of the investments held by our carry funds were deemed worthless, a possibility that management views as remote, the amount of Performance Allocations subject to potential clawback would be $6.5$6.9 billion, on an after taxafter-tax basis where applicable, of which Blackstone Holdings is potentially liable for $5.9$6.3 billion if current and former Blackstone personnel default on their share of the liability, a possibility that management also views as remote. See Note 16. “Related Party Transactions” and Note 17. “Commitments and Contingencies” in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” in “Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements” of this filing.

Critical Accounting Policies

We prepare our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with GAAP. In applying many of these accounting principles, we need to make assumptions, estimates and/or judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses in our condensed consolidated financial statements. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experience and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. These assumptions, estimates and/or judgments, however, are often subjective. Actual results may be affected negatively based on changing circumstances. If actual amounts are ultimately different from our estimates, the revisions are included in our results of operations for the period in which the actual amounts become known. We believe the following critical accounting policies could potentially produce materially different results if we were to change underlying assumptions, estimates and/or judgments. See Note 2. “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” in “Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements” of this filing.

Principles of Consolidation

The Partnership consolidates all entities that it controls through a majority voting interest or otherwise, including those Blackstone Funds in which the general partner has a controlling financial interest. The Partnership has a controlling financial interest in Blackstone Holdings because the limited partners do not have the right to dissolve the partnerships or have substantive kick out rights or participating rights that would overcome the control held by the Partnership. Accordingly, the Partnership consolidates Blackstone Holdings and recordsnon-controlling interests to reflect the economic interests of the limited partners of Blackstone Holdings.

In addition, the Partnership consolidates all variable interest entities (“VIE”) in which it is the primary beneficiary. An enterprise is determined to be the primary beneficiary if it holds a controlling financial interest. A controlling financial interest is defined as (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The consolidation guidance requires an analysis to determine (a) whether an entity in which the Partnership holds a variable interest is a VIE and (b) whether the Partnership’s involvement, through holding interests directly or indirectly in the entity or contractually through other variable interests (for example, management and performance related fees), would give it a controlling financial interest. Performance of that analysis requires the exercise of judgment.

The Partnership determines whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE at the time it becomes involved with a variable interest entity and continuously reconsiders that conclusion. In determining whether the Partnership is the primary beneficiary, Blackstone evaluates its control rights as well as economic interests in the entity held either directly or indirectly by the Partnership. The consolidation analysis can generally be performed qualitatively; however, if it is not readily apparent that the Partnership is not the primary beneficiary, a quantitative analysis may

also be performed. Investments and redemptions (either by the Partnership, affiliates of the Partnership or third parties) or amendments to the governing documents of the respective Blackstone Funds could affect an entity’s status as a VIE or the determination of the primary beneficiary. At each reporting date, the Partnership assesses whether it is the primary beneficiary and will consolidate or deconsolidate accordingly.

Assets of consolidated VIEs that can only be used to settle obligations of the consolidated VIE and liabilities of a consolidated VIE for which creditors (or beneficial interest holders) do not have recourse to the general credit of Blackstone are presented in a separate section in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues primarily consist of management and advisory fees, incentive fees, investment income, interest and dividend revenue and other. Please refer to “Part I. Item 1. Business  Incentive Arrangements / Fee Structure” in our Annual Report onForm10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 for additional information regarding the manner in which Base Management Fees and Incentive Fees are generated.

Management and advisory fees and incentive fees are accounted for as contracts with customers. Under the guidance for contracts with customers, an entity is required to (a) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (b) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (c) determine the transaction price, (d) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and (e) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. In determining the transaction price, an entity may include variable consideration only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized would not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. See Note 18. “Segment Reporting” in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” in “Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements” for a disaggregated presentation of revenues from contracts with customers.

Investment Income represents the unrealized and realized gains and losses on the Partnership’s Performance Allocations and Principal Investments. Interest and Dividend Revenue comprises primarily interest and dividend income earned on principal investments held by us. Other Revenue consists of miscellaneous income and foreign exchange gains and losses arising on transactions denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars.

Management and Advisory Fees, Net — Management and Advisory Fees, Net are comprised of management fees, including base management fees, transaction and other fees and advisory fees net of management fee reductions and offsets.

The Partnership earns base management fees from limited partners of funds in each of its managed funds, at a fixed percentage of assets under management, net asset value, total assets, committed capital or invested capital. These customer contracts require the Partnership to provide investment management services, which represents a performance obligation that the Partnership satisfies over time. Management fees are a form of variable consideration because the fees the Partnership is entitled to vary based on fluctuations in the basis for the management fee. The amount recorded as revenue is generally determined at the end of the period because these management fees are payable on a regular basis (typically quarterly) and are not subject to clawback once paid. The range of management fee rates and the calculation base from which they are earned, generally, are as follows:

On private equity, real estate, and certain of our hedge fund solutions and credit-focused funds:

 

0.25% to 1.75% of committed capital or invested capital during the investment period,

 

0.25% to 1.50% of invested capital, committed capital and investment fair value subsequent to the investment period for private equity and real estate funds, and

 

0.75% to 1.50% of invested capital or net asset value subsequent to the investment period for certain of our hedge fund solutions and credit-focused funds.

On real estate, credit andMLP-focused funds structured like hedge funds:

 

0.50% to 1.50% of net asset value.

On credit andMLP-focused separately managed accounts:

 

0.25% to 1.50% of net asset value or total assets.

On real estate separately managed accounts:

 

0.50% to 2.00% of invested capital, net operating income or net asset value.

On funds of hedge funds, certain hedge funds and separately managed accounts invested in hedge funds:

 

0.50% to 1.25% of net asset value.

On CLO vehicles:

 

0.40% to 0.65% of the aggregate par amount of collateral assets, including principal cash.

On credit-focused registered andnon-registered investment companies:

 

0.35% to 1.50% of total assets or net asset value.

The investment adviser of BXMT receives annual management fees based upon 1.50% of BXMT’s net proceeds received from equity offerings and accumulated “core earnings” (which is generally equal to its GAAP net income excluding certainnon-cash and other items), subject to certain adjustments. The investment adviser of ournon-exchange traded REIT receives a management fee of 1.25% per annum of net asset value, payable monthly.

Transaction, advisory and other fees (including monitoring fees) are principally fees charged to the limited partners of funds indirectly through the managed funds and portfolio companies. The investment advisory agreements generally require that the investment adviser reduce the amount of management fees payable by the limited partners to the Partnership (“management fee reductions”) by an amount equal to a portion of the transaction and other fees paid to the Partnership by the portfolio companies. The amount of the reduction varies by fund, the type of fee paid by the portfolio company and the previously incurred expenses of the fund. These fees and associated management fee reductions are a component of the transaction price for our performance obligation to provide investment management services to the limited partners of funds and are recognized as changes to the transaction price in the period in which they are charged and the services are performed.

Management fee offsets are reductions to management fees payable by the limited partners of the Blackstone Funds, which are based on the amount such limited partners reimburse the Blackstone Funds or the Partnership primarily for placement fees. Providing investment management services requires the Partnership to arrange for services on behalf of its customers. In those situations where we are acting as an agent on behalf of the limited partners of funds, it presents the cost of services as net against management fee revenue. In all other situations, the Partnership is primarily responsible for fulfilling the services and is therefore acting as a principal for those arrangements. As a result, the cost of those services is presented gross as anCompensation or General, Administrative and Other expense, as appropriate, with any reimbursement from the limited partners of the funds recorded as revenue.Management and Advisory Fees, Net.

Accrued but unpaid Management and Advisory Fees, net of management fee reductions and management fee offsets, as of the reporting date are included in Accounts Receivable or Due from Affiliates in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

Incentive Fees —Contractual fees earned based on the performance of Blackstone Funds (“Incentive Fees”) are a form of variable consideration in theirBlackstone’s contracts with customers to provide investment management

services. Incentive Fees are earned based on fund performance during the period, subject to the achievement of minimum return levels, or high water marks, in accordance with the respective terms set out in each fund’s governing

agreements. Incentive Fees will not be recognized as revenue until (a) it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur, or (b) the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. Incentive Fees are typically recognized as revenue when realized at the end of the measurement period. Once realized, such fees are not subject to clawback or reversal. Accrued but unpaid Incentive Fees charged directly to investors in Blackstone Funds as of the reporting date are recorded within Due from Affiliates in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

Investment Income (Loss) — Investment Income (Loss) represents the unrealized and realized gains and losses on the Partnership’s Performance Allocations and Principal Investments.

In certain fund structures across private equity, real estate, hedge fund solutions and credit-focused funds which we refer to as (“carry funds,funds”), Blackstone, through its subsidiaries, invests alongside its limited partners in a partnership and is entitled to itspro-rata share of the results of the fund (a“pro-rata allocation”). In addition to apro-rata allocation, and assuming certain investment returns are achieved, Blackstone is entitled to a disproportionate allocation of the income otherwise allocable to the limited partners, commonly referred to as carried interest or (“Performance Allocations.Allocations”).

Performance Allocations are made to the general partner based on cumulative fund performance to date, subject to a preferred return to limited partners. At the end of each reporting period, the Partnership calculates the balance of Accrued Performance Allocations that would be due to the Partnership for each fund, pursuant to the fund agreements, as if the fair value of the underlying investments were realized as of such date, irrespective of whether such amounts have been realized. As the fair value of underlying investments varies between reporting periods, it is necessary to make adjustments to amounts recorded as Accrued Performance Allocations to reflect either (a) positive performance resulting in an increase in the Accrued Performance Allocation to the general partner or (b) negative performance that would cause the amount due to the Partnership to be less than the amount previously recognized as revenue, resulting in a negative adjustment to the Accrued Performance Allocation to the general partner. In each scenario, it is necessary to calculate the Accrued Performance Allocation on cumulative results compared to the Accrued Performance Allocation recorded to date and make the required positive or negative adjustments. The Partnership ceases to record negative Performance Allocations once previously Accrued Performance Allocations for such fund have been fully reversed. The Partnership is not obligated to pay guaranteed returns or hurdles, and therefore, cannot have negative Performance Allocations over the life of a fund. Accrued Performance Allocations as of the reporting date are reflected in Investments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

Performance Allocations are realized when an underlying investment is profitably disposed of and the fund’s cumulative returns are in excess of the preferred return or, in limited instances, after certain thresholds for return of capital are met. Performance Allocations are subject to clawback to the extent that the Performance Allocation received to date exceeds the amount due to Blackstone based on cumulative results. As such, the accrual for potential repayment of previously received Performance Allocations, which is a component of Due to Affiliates, represents all amounts previously distributed to Blackstone Holdings andnon-controlling interest holders that would need to be repaid to the Blackstone carry funds if the Blackstone carry funds were to be liquidated based on the current fair value of the underlying funds’ investments as of the reporting date. The actual clawback liability, however, generally does not become realized until the end of a fund’s life except for certain funds, including certain Blackstone real estate funds, multi-asset class investment funds and credit-focused funds, which may have an interim clawback liability.

Principal Investments include the unrealized and realized gains and losses on the Partnership’s principal investments, including its investments in Blackstone Funds that are not consolidated and receivepro-rata allocations, its equity method investments, and other principal investments. Income (Loss) on Principal Investments is realized when the Partnership redeems all or a portion of its investment or when the Partnership receives cash

income, such as dividends or distributions. Unrealized Income (Loss) on Principal Investments results from changes in the fair value of the underlying investment as well as the reversal of unrealized gain (loss) at the time an investment is realized.

Interest and Dividend Revenue — Interest and Dividend Revenue comprises primarily interest and dividend income earned on principal investments held by Blackstone.

Other Revenue — Other Revenue consists of miscellaneous income and foreign exchange gains and losses arising on transactions denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars.

Expenses

Our expenses include compensation and benefits expense and general and administrative expenses. Our accounting policies related thereto are as follows:

Compensation and Benefits — Compensation — Compensation and Benefits consists of (a) employee compensation, comprising salary and bonus, and benefits paid and payable to employees and senior managing directors and (b) equity-based compensation associated with the grants of equity-based awards to employees and senior managing directors. Compensation cost relating to the issuance of equity-based awards to senior managing directors and employees is measured at fair value at the grant date, taking into consideration expected forfeitures, and expensed over the vesting period on a straight-line basis, taking into consideration expected forfeitures, except in the case of (a) equity-based awards that do not require future service, which are expensed immediately, and (b) certain awards to recipients that meet specified criteria making them eligible for retirement treatment (allowing such recipient to keep a percentage of those awards upon departure from Blackstone after becoming eligible for retirement), for which the expense for the portion of the award that would be retained in the event of retirement is either expensed immediately or amortized to the retirement date. Cash settled equity-based awards are classified as liabilities and are remeasured at the end of each reporting period.

Compensation and Benefits — Incentive Fee Compensation —Incentive Fee Compensation consists of compensation paid based on Incentive Fees.

Compensation and Benefits — Performance Allocations Compensation —Performance Allocation Compensation consists of compensation paid based on Performance Allocations (which may be distributed in cash orin-kind). Such compensation expense is subject to both positive and negative adjustments. Unlike Performance Allocations, compensation expense is based on the performance of individual investments held by a fund rather than on a fund by fund basis. These amounts may also include allocations of investment income from Blackstone’s principal investments, to senior managing directors and employees participating in certain profit sharing initiatives.

Other Operating Expenses — Other Operating Expenses represents general and administrative expenses including interest expense, occupancy and equipment expenses and other expenses, which consist principally of professional fees, public company costs, travel and related expenses, communications and information services and depreciation and amortization.

Fund Expenses — The expenses of our consolidated Blackstone Funds consist primarily of interest expense, professional fees and other third party expenses.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

GAAP establishes a hierarchical disclosure framework which prioritizes and ranks the level of market price observability used in measuring financial instruments at fair value. Market price observability is affected by a number of factors, including the type of financial instrument, the characteristics specific to the financial instrument and the state of the marketplace, including the existence and transparency of transactions between market participants. Financial instruments with readily available quoted prices in active markets generally will have a higher degree of market price observability and a lesser degree of judgment used in measuring fair value.

Financial instruments measured and reported at fair value are classified and disclosed based on the observability of inputs used in the determination of fair values, as follows:

 

Level I — Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical financial instruments as of the reporting date. The types of financial instruments in Level I include listed equities, listed derivatives and mutual funds with quoted prices. The Partnership does not adjust the quoted price for these investments, even in situations where Blackstone holds a large position and a sale could reasonably impact the quoted price.

 

Level II — Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date, and fair value is determined through the use of models or other valuation methodologies. Financial instruments which are generally included in this category include corporate bonds and loans, including corporate bonds and loans held within CLO vehicles, government and agency securities, less liquid and restricted equity securities, and certainover-the-counter derivatives where the fair value is based on observable inputs. Senior and subordinated notes issued by CLO vehicles are classified within Level II of the fair value hierarchy.

 

Level III — Pricing inputs are unobservable for the financial instruments and includes situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the financial instrument. The inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation. Financial instruments that are included in this category generally include general and limited partnership interests in private equity and real estate funds, credit-focused funds, distressed debt andnon-investment grade residual interests in securitizations, certain corporate bonds and loans held within CLO vehicles, and certainover-the-counter derivatives where the fair value is based on unobservable inputs.

In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the determination of which category within the fair value hierarchy is appropriate for any given financial instrument is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Partnership’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the financial instrument.

Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are recognized at the beginning of the reporting period.

Level II Valuation Techniques

Financial instruments classified within Level II of the fair value hierarchy comprise debt instruments, including certain corporate loans and bonds held by Blackstone’s consolidated CLO vehicles and debt securities sold, not yet purchased. Certain equity securities and derivative instruments valued using observable inputs are also classified as Level II.

The valuation techniques used to value financial instruments classified within Level II of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

 

Debt Instruments and Equity Securities are valued on the basis of prices from an orderly transaction between market participants provided by reputable dealers or pricing services. In determining the value of a particular investment, pricing services may use certain information with respect to transactions in such investments, quotations from dealers, pricing matrices and market transactions in comparable investments and various relationships between investments. The valuation of certain equity securities is based on an observable price for an identical security adjusted for the effect of a restriction.

 

Freestanding Derivatives are valued using contractual cash flows and observable inputs comprising yield curves, foreign currency rates and credit spreads.

 

Senior and subordinate notes issued by CLO vehicles are classified based on the more observable fair value of CLO assets less (a) the fair value of any beneficial interests held by Blackstone, and (b) the carrying value of any beneficial interests that represent compensation for services.

Level III Valuation Techniques

In the absence of observable market prices, Blackstone values its investments using valuation methodologies applied on a consistent basis. For some investments little market activity may exist; management’s determination of fair value is then based on the best information available in the circumstances, and may incorporate management’s own assumptions and involves a significant degree of judgment, taking into consideration a combination of internal and external factors, including the appropriate risk adjustments fornon-performance and liquidity risks. Investments for which market prices are not observable include private investments in the equity of operating companies, real estate properties, certain funds of hedge funds and credit-focused investments.

Private Equity Investments — The fair values of private equity investments are determined by reference to projected net earnings, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), the discounted cash flow method, public market or private transactions, valuations for comparable companies and other measures which, in many cases, are based on unaudited information at the time received. Valuations may be derived by reference to observable valuation measures for comparable companies or transactions (for example, multiplying a key performance metric of the investee company, such as EBITDA, by a relevant valuation multiple observed in the range of comparable companies or transactions), adjusted by management for differences between the investment and the referenced comparables, and in some instances by reference to option pricing models or other similar methods. Where a discounted cash flow method is used, a terminal value is derived by reference to EBITDA or price/earnings exit multiples.

Real Estate Investments —The fair values of real estate investments are determined by considering projected operating cash flows, sales of comparable assets, if any, and replacement costs, among other measures. The methods used to estimate the fair value of real estate investments include the discounted cash flow method and/or capitalization rates (“cap rates”) analysis. Valuations may be derived by reference to observable valuation measures for comparable companies or assets (for example, multiplying a key performance metric of the investee company or asset, such as EBITDA, by a relevant valuation multiple observed in the range of comparable companies or transactions), adjusted by management for differences between the investment and the referenced comparables, and in some instances by reference to option pricing models or other similar methods. Where a discounted cash flow method is used, a terminal value is derived by reference to an exit EBITDA multiple or capitalization rate. Additionally, where applicable, projected distributable cash flow through debt maturity will be considered in support of the investment’s fair value.

Credit-Focused Investments — The fair values of credit-focused investments are generally determined on the basis of prices between market participants provided by reputable dealers or pricing services. For credit-focused investments that are not publicly traded or whose market prices are not readily available, Blackstone may utilize other valuation techniques, including the discounted cash flow method or a market approach. The discounted cash flow method projects the expected cash flows of the debt instrument based on contractual terms, and discounts such cash flows back to the valuation date using a market-based yield. The market-based yield is estimated using yields of publicly traded debt instruments issued by companies operating in similar industries as the subject investment, with similar leverage statistics and time to maturity.

The market approach is generally used to determine the enterprise value of the issuer of a credit investment, and considers valuation multiples of comparable companies or transactions. The resulting enterprise value will dictate whether or not such credit investment has adequate enterprise value coverage. In cases of distressed credit instruments, the market approach may be used to estimate a recovery value in the event of a restructuring.

Level III Valuation Process

Investments classified within Level III of the fair value hierarchy are valued on a quarterly basis, taking into consideration factors including any changes in Blackstone’s weighted-average cost of capital assumptions, discounted cash flow projections and exit multiple assumptions, as well as any changes in economic and other

relevant conditions, and valuation models are updated accordingly. The valuation process also includes a review by an independent valuation party, at least annually for all investments, and quarterly for certain investments, to corroborate the values determined by management. The valuations of Blackstone’s investments are reviewed quarterly by a valuation committee chaired by Blackstone’s Vice Chairman and includes senior heads of each of Blackstone’s businesses, as well as representatives of legal and finance. Each quarter, the valuations of Blackstone’s investments are also reviewed by the Audit Committee in a meeting attended by the chairman of the valuation committee. The valuations are further tested by comparison to actual sales prices obtained on disposition of the investments.

Investments, at Fair Value

The Blackstone Funds are accounted for as investment companies under the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Accounting and Auditing Guide,Investment Companies, and reflect their investments, including majority-owned and controlled investments (the “Portfolio Companies”), at fair value. Such consolidated funds’

investments are reflected in Investments on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value reflected as a component of Net Gains from Fund Investment Activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Fair value is the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, at current market conditions (i.e., the exit price).

Blackstone’s principal investments are presented at fair value with unrealized appreciation or depreciation and realized gains and losses recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations within Investment Income (Loss).

For certain instruments, the Partnership has elected the fair value option. Such election is irrevocable and is applied on an investment by investment basis at initial recognition. The Partnership has applied the fair value option for certain loans and receivables and certain investments in private debt securities that otherwise would not have been carried at fair value with gains and losses recorded in net income. The methodology for measuring the fair value of such investments is consistent with the methodology applied to private equity, real estate, credit-focused and funds of hedge funds investments. Changes in the fair value of such instruments are recognized in Investment Income (Loss) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Interest income on interest bearing loans and receivables and debt securities on which the fair value option has been elected is based on stated coupon rates adjusted for the accretion of purchase discounts and the amortization of purchase premiums. This interest income is recorded within Interest and Dividend Revenue.

The Partnership has elected the fair value option for the assets of consolidated CLO vehicles. As permitted under GAAP, the Partnership measures the liabilities of consolidated CLO vehicles as (a) the sum of the fair value of the consolidated CLO assets and the carrying value of any nonfinancialnon-financial assets held temporarily, less (b) the sum of the fair value of any beneficial interests retained by the Partnership (other than those that represent compensation for services) and the Partnership’s carrying value of any beneficial interests that represent compensation for services. As a result of this measurement alternative, there is no attribution of amounts toNon-Controlling Interests for consolidated CLO vehicles. Assets of the consolidated CLOs are presented within Investments within the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition and Liabilities within Loans Payable for the amounts due to unaffiliated third parties and Due to Affiliates for the amounts held bynon-consolidated affiliates. Changes in the fair value of consolidated CLO assets and liabilities and related interest, dividend and other income are presented within Net Gains from Fund Investment Activities. Expenses of consolidated CLO vehicles are presented in Fund Expenses.

The Partnership has elected the fair value option for certain proprietary investments that would otherwise have been accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The fair value of such investments is based on quoted prices in an active market or using the discounted cash flow method. Changes in fair value are recognized in Investment Income (Loss) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Further disclosure on instruments for which the fair value option has been elected is presented in Note 7. “Fair Value Option” in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” in “Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements” of this filing.

The investments of consolidated Blackstone Funds in funds of hedge funds (“Investee Funds”) are valued at net asset value (“NAV”) per share of the Investee Fund. In limited circumstances, the Partnership may determine, based on its own due diligence and investment procedures, that NAV per share does not represent fair value. In such circumstances, the Partnership will estimate the fair value in good faith and in a manner that it reasonably chooses, in accordance with the requirements of GAAP.

Certain investments of Blackstone and of the consolidated Blackstone funds of hedge funds and credit-focused funds measure their investments in underlying funds at fair value using NAV per share without adjustment. The terms of the investee’s investment generally provide for minimum holding periods orlock-ups, the institution of

gates on redemptions or the suspension of redemptions or an ability to side pocket investments, at the discretion of the investee’s fund manager, and as a result, investments may not be redeemable at, or within three months of, the reporting date. A side pocket is used by hedge funds and funds of hedge funds to separate investments that may lack a readily ascertainable value, are illiquid or are subject to liquidity restriction. Redemptions are generally not permitted until the investments within a side pocket are liquidated or it is deemed that the conditions existing at the time that required the investment to be included in the side pocket no longer exist. As the timing of either of these events is uncertain, the timing at which the Partnership may redeem an investment held in a side pocket cannot be estimated. Further disclosure on instruments for which fair value is measured using NAV per share is presented in Note 5. “Net Asset Value as Fair Value” in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” in “Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements” of this filing.

Intangibles and Goodwill

Blackstone’s intangible assets consist of contractual rights to earn future fee income, including management and advisory fees, Incentive Fees and Performance Allocations. Identifiable finite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, ranging from three to twenty years, reflecting the contractual lives of such assets. Amortization expense is included within General, Administrative and Other in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Partnership does not hold any indefinite-lived intangible assets. Intangible assets are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

Goodwill comprises goodwill arising from the contribution and reorganization of the Partnership’s predecessor entities in 2007 immediately prior to its IPO, the acquisition of GSO in 2008 and the acquisition of Strategic Partners in 2013 and the acquisition of Harvest in 2017. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment at least annually utilizing a qualitative or quantitative approach, and more frequently if circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. The impairment testing for goodwill under the qualitative approach is based first on a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of Blackstone’s operating segments is less than their respective carrying values. The operating segment is the reporting level for testing the impairment of goodwill. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that an operating segment’s fair value is less than its carrying value or when the quantitative approach is used, atwo-step quantitative assessment is performed to (a) calculate the fair value of the operating segment and compare it to its carrying value, and (b) if the carrying value exceeds its fair value, to measure an impairment loss.

Senior management has organized the firm into four operating segments. All of the components in each segment have similar economic characteristics and senior management makes key operating decisions based on the performance of each segment. Therefore, we believe that operating segment is the appropriate reporting level for testing the impairment of goodwill.

The carrying value of goodwill was $1.8 billion as of March 31,September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. At March 31,September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we determined that there was no evidence of goodwill impairment.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

In the normal course of business, we enter into variousoff-balance sheet arrangements including sponsoring and owning limited or general partner interests in consolidated andnon-consolidated funds, entering into derivative transactions, entering into operating leases and entering into guarantee arrangements. We also have ongoing capital commitment arrangements with certain of our consolidated andnon-consolidated drawdown funds. We do not have anyoff-balance sheet arrangements that would require us to fund losses or guarantee target returns to investors in our funds.

Further disclosure on ouroff-balance sheet arrangements is presented in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” in “Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements” of this filing as follows:

 

Note 6. “Derivative Financial Instruments”,

Note 9. “Variable Interest Entities”, and

 

Note 17. “Commitments and Contingencies — Commitments — Investment Commitments” and “— Contingencies — Guarantees”.

Recent Accounting Developments

Information regarding recent accounting developments and their impact on Blackstone can be found in Note 2. “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” in “Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements” of this filing.

 

ITEM 3.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our predominant exposure to market risk is related to our role as general partner or investment adviser to the Blackstone Funds and the sensitivities to movements in the fair value of their investments, including the effect on management fees, performance revenues and investment income.

Although the Blackstone Funds share many common themes, each of our alternative asset management operations runs its own investment and risk management processes, subject to our overall risk tolerance and philosophy:

 

The investment process of our carry funds involves a detailed analysis of potential investments, and asset management teams are assigned to oversee the operations, strategic development, financing and capital deployment decisions of each portfolio investment. Key investment decisions are subject to approval by the applicable investment committee, which is comprised of Blackstone senior managing directors and senior management.

 

In our capacity as adviser to certain funds in our Hedge Fund Solutions and Credit segments, we continuously monitor a variety of markets for attractive trading opportunities, applying a number of traditional and customized risk management metrics to analyze risk related to specific assets or portfolios. In addition, we perform extensive credit and cash flow analyses of borrowers, credit-based assets and underlying hedge fund managers, and have extensive asset management teams that monitor covenant compliance by, and relevant financial data of, borrowers and other obligors, asset pool performance statistics, tracking of cash payments relating to investments and ongoing analysis of the credit status of investments.

Effect on Fund Management Fees

Our management fees are based on (a) third parties’ capital commitments to a Blackstone Fund, (b) third parties’ capital invested in a Blackstone Fund or (c) the net asset value, or NAV, of a Blackstone Fund, as described in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Management fees will only be directly affected by short-term changes in market conditions to the extent they are based on NAV or represent permanent impairments of value. These management fees will be increased (or reduced) in direct proportion to the effect of changes in the fair value of our investments in the related funds. The proportion of our management fees that are based on NAV is dependent on the number and types of Blackstone Funds in existence and the current stage of each fund’s life cycle. For the threenine months ended March 31,September 30, 2018 and March 31,September 30, 2017, the percentages of our fund management fees based on the NAV of the applicable funds or separately managed accounts, were as follows:

 

   Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   2018  2017 

Fund Management Fees Based on the NAV of the Applicable Funds or Separately Managed Accounts

   34  34
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2018  2017 

Fund Management Fees Based on the NAV of the Applicable Funds or Separately Managed Accounts

   38  32

Market Risk

The Blackstone Funds hold investments which are reported at fair value. Based on the fair value as of March 31,September 30, 2018 and March 31,September 30, 2017, we estimate that a 10% decline in fair value of the investments would result in the following declines in Management Fees, Performance Revenues, Net of Related Compensation Expense and Investment Income:

 

   March 31, 
   2018   2017 
   Management
Fees (a)
   Performance
Revenues, Net of
Related
Compensation
Expense (b)
   Investment
Income (b)
   Management
Fees (a)
   Performance
Revenues, Net
of Related
Compensation
Expense (b)
   Investment
Income (b)
 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 

10% Decline in Fair Value of the Investments

  $79,791   $1,427,077   $196,308   $88,945   $1,177,531   $235,607 
   September 30, 
   2018   2017 
   Management
Fees (a)
   Performance
Revenues, Net
of Related
Compensation
Expense (b)
   Investment
Income (b)
   Management
Fees (a)
   Performance
Revenues, Net
of Related
Compensation
Expense (b)
   Investment
Income (b)
 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 

10% Decline in Fair Value of the Investments

  $112,478   $1,548,245   $229,853   $88,953   $1,341,724   $184,092 

 

(a)

Represents the annualized effect of the 10% decline.

(b)

Represents the reporting date effect of the 10% decline.

Total Assets Under Management, excluding undrawn capital commitments and the amount of capital raised for our CLOs, by segment, and the percentage amount classified as Level III investments as defined within the fair value standards of GAAP, are as follows:

 

  March 31, 2018   September 30, 2018 
  Total Assets Under Management,
Excluding Undrawn Capital
Commitments and the Amount of
Capital Raised for CLOs
   Percentage Amount
Classified as Level III
Investments
   Total Assets Under Management,
Excluding Undrawn Capital
Commitments and the Amount of
Capital Raised for CLOs
   Percentage
Amount
Classified
as Level III
Investments
 
  (Dollars in Thousands)       (Dollars in Thousands)     

Private Equity

  $62,422,958    70  $69,441,975    74

Real Estate

  $81,744,380    84  $88,177,944  �� 82

Credit

  $92,015,978    40  $77,858,322    31

The fair value of our investments and securities can vary significantly based on a number of factors that take into consideration the diversity of the Blackstone Funds’ investment portfolio and on a number of factors and inputs such as similar transactions, financial metrics, and industry comparatives, among others. See “Part I. Item 1A. Risk

Factors” in our Annual Report onForm10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. Also see “Part I. Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies — Investments, at Fair Value”. We believe these fair value amounts should be utilized with caution as our intent and strategy is to hold investments and securities until prevailing market conditions are beneficial for investment sales.

Investors in all of our carry funds (and certain of our credit-focused funds and funds of hedge funds) make capital commitments to those funds that we are entitled to call from those investors at any time during prescribed periods. We depend on investors fulfilling their commitments when we call capital from them in order for those funds to consummate investments and otherwise pay their related obligations when due, including management fees. We have not had investors fail to honor capital calls to any meaningful extent and any investor that did not fund a capital call would be subject to having a significant amount of its existing investment forfeited in that fund; however, if investors were to fail to satisfy a significant amount of capital calls for any particular fund or funds, those funds could be materially and adversely affected.

Exchange Rate Risk

The Blackstone Funds hold investments that are denominated innon-U.S. dollar currencies that may be affected by movements in the rate of exchange between the U.S. dollar andnon-U.S. dollar currencies. Additionally,

a portion of our management fees are denominated innon-U.S. dollar currencies. We estimate that as of March 31,September 30, 2018 and March 31,September 30, 2017, a 10% decline in the rate of exchange of all foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar would result in the following declines in Management Fees, Performance Revenues, Net of Related Compensation Expense and Investment Income:

 

   March 31, 
   2018   2017 
   Management
Fees (a)
   Performance
Revenues, Net of
Related
Compensation
Expense (b)
   Investment
Income (b)
   Management
Fees (a)
   Performance
Revenues, Net of
Related
Compensation
Expense (b)
   Investment
Income (b)
 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 

10% Decline in the Rate of Exchange of All Foreign Currencies Against the U.S. Dollar

  $21,035   $349,169   $26,591   $14,297   $269,236   $29,883 
   September 30, 
   2018   2017 
   Management
Fees (a)
   Performance
Revenues, Net of
Related
Compensation
Expense (b)
   Investment
Income (b)
   Management
Fees (a)
   Performance
Revenues, Net of
Related
Compensation
Expense (b)
   Investment
Income (b)
 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 

10% Decline in the Rate of Exchange of All Foreign Currencies Against the U.S. Dollar

  $19,211   $333,935   $65,720   $13,979   $434,471   $31,749 

 

(a)

Represents the annualized effect of the 10% decline.

(b)

Represents the reporting date effect of the 10% decline.

Interest Rate Risk

Blackstone has debt obligations payable that accrue interest at variable rates. Interest rate changes may therefore affect the amount of our interest payments, future earnings and cash flows. Based on our debt obligations payable as of March 31,September 30, 2018 and March 31,September 30, 2017, we estimate that interest expense relating to variable rates would increase on an annual basis, in the event interest rates were to increase by one percentage point, as follows:

 

   March 31, 
   2018   2017 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 

Annualized Increase in Interest Expense Due to a One Percentage Point Increase in Interest Rates

  $28   $28 
   September 30, 
   2018   2017 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 

Annualized Increase in Interest Expense Due to a One Percentage Point Increase in Interest Rates (a)

  $     —     $28 

(a)

As of September 30, 2018 Blackstone had no such debt obligations payable outstanding.

Blackstone has a diversified portfolio of liquid assets to meet the liquidity needs of various businesses. This portfolio includes cash, open ended money market mutual funds, open ended bond mutual funds, marketable investment securities, freestanding derivative contracts, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements and other investments. If interest rates were to increase by one percentage point, we estimate that our annualized investment income would decrease, offset by an estimated increase in interest income on an annual basis from interest on floating rate assets, as follows:

 

   March 31, 
   2018   2017 
   Annualized
Decrease in
Investment
Income
  Annualized
Increase in
Interest Income
from Floating
Rate Assets
   Annualized
Decrease in
Investment
Income
  Annualized
Increase in
Interest Income
from Floating
Rate Assets
 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 

One Percentage Point Increase in Interest Rates

  $12,911(a)  $19,068   $10,240(a)  $26,036 
   September 30, 
   2018   2017 
   Annualized
Decrease in
Investment
Income
  Annualized
Increase in
Interest Income
from Floating
Rate Assets
   Annualized
Decrease in
Investment
Income
  Annualized
Increase in
Interest Income
from Floating
Rate Assets
 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 

One Percentage Point Increase in Interest Rates

  $15,291(a)  $24,158   $31,548(a)  $20,614 

 

(a)

As of March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017, this represents 0.3% and 0.2%0.6% of our portfolio of liquid assets, respectively.

Blackstone has U.S. dollar andnon-U.S. dollar based interest rate derivatives whose future cash flows and present value may be affected by movement in their respective underlying yield curves. We estimate that as of March 31,September 30, 2018, a one percentage increase parallel shift in global yield curves would result in the following impact on Other Revenue:

 

   March 31, 
   2018   2017 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 

Annualized Increase in Other Revenue Due to a One Percentage Point Increase in Interest Rates

  $25,019   $—  (a) 
   September 30, 
   2018   2017 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 

Annualized Increase in Other Revenue Due to a One Percentage Point Increase in Interest Rates

  $18,973   $—  (a) 

 

(a)

Blackstone held no interest rate risk derivatives as of March 31,September 30, 2017 which impact Other Revenue.

Credit Risk

Certain Blackstone Funds and the Investee Funds are subject to certain inherent risks through their investments.

Our portfolio of liquid assets contain certain credit risks including, but not limited to, exposure to uninsured deposits with financial institutions, unsecured corporate bonds and mortgage-backed securities. These exposures are actively monitored on a continuous basis and positions are reallocated based on changes in risk profile, market or economic conditions.

We estimate that our annualized investment income would decrease, if credit spreads were to increase by one percentage point, as follows:

 

   March 31, 
   2018   2017 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 

Decrease in Annualized Investment Income Due to a One Percentage Point Increase in Credit Spreads (a)

  $32,724   $39,531 
   September 30, 
   2018   2017 
   (Dollars in
Thousands)
 

Decrease in Annualized Investment Income Due to a One Percentage Point Increase in Credit Spreads (a)

  $41,868   $45,305 

 

(a)

As of March 31,September 30, 2018 and 2017, this represents 0.7%0.8% and 0.8%0.9% of our portfolio of liquid assets, respectively.

Certain of our entities hold derivative instruments that contain an element of risk in the event that the counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of such agreements. We minimize our risk exposure by limiting the counterparties with which we enter into contracts to banks and investment banks that meet established credit and

capital guidelines. We do not expect any counterparty to default on its obligations and therefore do not expect to incur any loss due to counterparty default.

 

ITEM 4.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

We maintain “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined inRules13a-15(e) and15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing disclosure controls and procedures, our management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible disclosure controls and procedures. The design of any disclosure controls and procedures also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired objectives.

Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant toRule13a-15 under the Exchange Act as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined inRule13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) are effective at the reasonable assurance level to accomplish their objectives of ensuring that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

No change in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined inRules13a-15(f) and15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during our most recent quarter, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We may from time to time be involved in litigation and claims incidental to the conduct of our business. Our businesses are also subject to extensive regulation, which may result in regulatory proceedings against us. See “Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report onForm10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. We are not currently subject to any pending judicial, administrative or arbitration proceedings that we expect to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. However, given the inherent unpredictability of these types of proceedings and the potentially large and/or indeterminate amounts that could be sought, an adverse outcome in certain matters could have a material effect on Blackstone’s financial results in any particular period.

 

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

For a discussion of our potential risks and uncertainties, see the information under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report onForm10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and in our subsequently filed Quarterly Reports onForm10-Q, all of which are accessible on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov.

See “Part I. Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Business Environment” in this report for a discussion of the conditions in the financial markets and economic conditions affecting our businesses. This discussion updates, and should be read together with, the risk factor entitled “Difficult market conditions can adversely affect our business in many ways, including by reducing the value or performance of the investments made by our investment funds and reducing the ability of our investment funds to raise or deploy capital, each of which could materially reduce our revenue, earnings and cash flow and adversely affect our financial prospects and condition.” in our Annual Report onForm10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

The risks described in our Annual Report onForm10-K and in our subsequently filed Quarterly Reports onForm10-Q are not the only risks facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

ITEM 2.

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

In January 2008, the Board of DirectorsThe following table sets forth information regarding repurchases of our general partner, Blackstone Group Management L.L.C., authorized the repurchase of up to $500 million of Blackstone common units and Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units. Duringduring the three monthsquarter ended March 31, 2018, no units were repurchased. As of March 31, 2018, the amount remaining available for repurchases was $335.8 million under this program.September 30, 2018:

On April 16, 2018, Blackstone announced that its Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $1.0 billion of common units and Blackstone Holdings partnership units, increasing the $335.8 million of repurchase authorization remaining under the prior authorization. Under the unit repurchase program, units may be repurchased from time to time in open market transactions, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. The timing and the actual number of units repurchased will depend on a variety of factors, including legal requirements, price and economic and market conditions. The unit repurchase program may be changed, suspended or discontinued at any time and does not have a specified expiration date. See “Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements — Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 14. Net Income Per Common Unit” and “Part I. Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Sources and Uses of Liquidity” for further information regarding this unit repurchase program.

Period

  Total Number
of Units
Purchased
   Average
Price Paid
per Unit
   Total Number of Units
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs (a)
   Approximate Dollar
Value of Units that
May Yet Be Purchased
Under the Program
(Dollars in Thousands) (a)
 

Jul. 1 — Jul. 31, 2018

   454,545   $35.57    454,545   $912,148 

Aug. 1 — Aug. 31, 2018

   3,149,724   $36.11    3,149,724   $798,417 

Sep. 1 — Sep. 30, 2018

   2,395,731   $36.93    2,395,731   $709,934 
  

 

 

     

 

 

   
   6,000,000      6,000,000   
  

 

 

     

 

 

   

(a)

On April 16, 2018, the Board of Directors of our general partner, Blackstone Group Management L.L.C., authorized the repurchase of up to $1.0 billion of Blackstone common units and Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units. Under the unit repurchase program, units may be repurchased from time to time in open market transactions, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. The timing and the actual number of units repurchased will depend on a variety of factors, including legal requirements, price and economic and market conditions. The unit repurchase program may be changed, suspended or discontinued at any time and does not have a specified expiration date. See “Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements — Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 14. Net Income Per Common Unit” and “Part I. Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Sources and Uses of Liquidity” for further information regarding this unit repurchase program.

As permitted by our policies and procedures governing transactions in our securities by our directors, executive officers and other employees, from time to time some of these persons may establish plans or arrangements complying withRule10b5-1 under the Exchange Act, and similar plans and arrangements relating to our common units and Blackstone Holdings Partnership Units.

 

ITEM 3.

DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 4.

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5.

OTHER INFORMATION

On May 8, 2018, Sir John Antony Hood was appointed to the board of directors of Blackstone Group Management L.L.C., the general partner (the “General Partner”) of the Partnership, and its Audit and Conflicts Committees, effective May 14, 2018.None.

Sir John will receive an annual cash retainer of $150,000. In addition, Sir John will receive, effective May 14, 2018, a grant of deferred restricted common units with a value of $150,000 under The Blackstone Group L.P. Amended and Restated 2007 Equity Incentive Plan. These deferred restricted common units will vest, and the underlying common units will be delivered, on the first anniversary of the date of grant, subject to Sir John’s continued service on the board of directors of the General Partner.

ITEM 6.

EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit
Number

  

Exhibit Description

  10.1Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of March  23, 2010, as amended and restated as of May 29, 2014, as further amended and restated as of August 31, 2016, and as further amended and restated as of September  21, 2018, among Blackstone Holdings Finance Co. L.L.C., as borrower, Blackstone Holdings AI L.P., Blackstone Holdings I L.P., Blackstone Holdings II L.P., Blackstone Holdings III L.P. and Blackstone Holdings IV L.P., as guarantors, Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent and the lenders party thereto (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form8-K (FileNo. 001-33551) filed with the SEC on September 21, 2018).
  31.1*  Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule13a-14(a).
  31.2*  Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule13a-14(a).
  32.1*  Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section  906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith).
  32.2*  Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section  906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith).
101.INS*  XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH*  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL*  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF*  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB*  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE*  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

 

*

Filed herewith.

The agreements and other documents filed as exhibits to this report are not intended to provide factual information or other disclosure other than with respect to the terms of the agreements or other documents themselves, and you should not rely on them for that purpose. In particular, any representations and warranties made by us in these agreements or other documents were made solely within the specific context of the relevant agreement or document and may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Date: May 8,November 7, 2018

 

The Blackstone Group L.P.
By: 

Blackstone Group Management L.L.C.,

its General Partner

 

/s/ Michael S. Chae

Name: Michael S. Chae
Title: Chief Financial Officer
 (Principal Financial Officer and Authorized Signatory)

 

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